Have you made a New Year’s resolution? Does your resolution include a version of getting healthier, taking better care of yourself and finding a way to de-stress? If it does, Greenprints Alliance would like to encourage you take a ride along the trail system, and maybe beyond, to explore our fabulous city. If you don’t have a bicycle, we have a few we’d like to share with you. 
In April 2017, we launched and currently sponsor the bike-share program operated by Zagster. We recently had an opportunity to review the data they’ve captured to see how the program has been adopted by our residents. It is clear, Woodstock loves this bike program! Since its inception, Woodstock riders, collectively, have taken 5,642 trips, ridden 20,108 miles and 2,487 of you have signed on as members, with ridership continuing to grow. That 20,000 miles is almost an entire trip around the world! That’s impressive Woodstock, especially considering the program launched with three stations and 10 bikes.
But, more impressive than the number of trips or users, is the 1,256,750 calories you’ve burned in that time frame. You don’t have to look far to find studies that support the positive impact cycling has on our health. The benefits include everything from weight loss, disease prevention, and increased strength and flexibility, to better mental health.
The other fascinating data that Zagster shared with us is that the current limitations of the trail system haven’t stopped you from continuing your ride. Our users have taken the bikes all over Towne Lake and Woodstock, including some homes in the area, various points along Highway 92; one popular stop seems to be Olde Rope Mill Park. So, as we look to expand the trail system with the city of Woodstock, we will be looking at those points along your exploratory routes.
We know we are a little biased, but if this encourages you to take a ride and listen to the leaves rustling in the trees, hear the sound of rubber on the trail and feel the wind on your face, you can find a bike at one of the three stations adjacent to our current trail network. Stations are located at the trailheads at Woofstock Dog Park, the corner of Elm and Market streets adjacent to the Noonday Creek Trail, and along Arnold Mill Road near the entrance to the Rubes Creek Trail.
Riders can join the program through the Zagster membership app. The first hour of the trip is free and riders must be 18 years old. Greenprints is looking into additional stations as it reviews the program with current partners. If you are interested in sponsoring this program, contact Jennifer@greenprintsalliance.org.
We hope to see you along the trail enjoying a few moments of freedom on two wheels!
– Jennifer Stockton, board member of Greenprints Alliance since 2009, and current chair of the organization.
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