UPDATED: Jump Bike Service Stopped in Providence

UPDATED: Jump Bike Service Stopped in Providence

After a series of violent attacks by gangs of youth using Jump Bikes, the city and Uber company JUMP Bikes have agreed to stop the service until they can work to "enhance security and responsible ridership."

Jump Bikes started in 2018 and were sponsored by two of the city’s healthcare companies.

On Thursday, the office of Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced, "Lifespan and Tufts Health Plan today announced a pause of the JUMP program. As part of a commitment to provide residents and visitors with convenient and equitable intermodal transportation options, a joint public safety effort will collect bicycles and explore options to enhance security mechanisms for the system and to promote responsible ridership.”

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Youths on Jump Bikes are tied to beatings on South Water Street and on Federal Hill.

In a statement Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan said:

I support the JUMP Bikes program here in Providence, and I believe it provides an important affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation in our City. I am also in full support of the administration’s decision to suspend the program until we can review and implement the proper controls and protocols to make this program a success.
Once the company switched from their U-shaped locks to their cable lock system it became clear that the bikes were too easily compromised. This new locking mechanism created several adverse effects in our community which I believe created serious quality of life issues. Which is why in July, I introduced a resolution requesting the administration to do a comprehensive study of this program. To date, the Council has not received that. Once we do, it will be vetted in an open committee meeting.
There are a number of these bicycles unaccounted for in our community, and that causes me concern. I am hopeful that the City, the Council, and JUMP Bikes can come to a resolution that benefits all members of our community, and that we have protocols in place to ensure the safety of pedestrians and riders alike.