ABOVE: One of five bikes that will be available with the Kids Just Want to Have Fun’s new bike share program in Fairmont.

FAIRMONT– After working on the project for several years, Project 1590’s Kids Just Want to Have Fun group is to ready to launch its new bike share program.

Members of the group first brought the idea to the Fairmont Park Board in July of 2022 and on Monday night they shared with the Fairmont City Council that it’s almost ready.

“We’re hoping to launch this by Memorial weekend,” said member Kristy Olson.

She said the group’s main focus was bringing something to Fairmont that would be free of cost to the citizens. Of course, as their name suggests, the group also has a big focus on children and families.

Other attractions the group is responsible for includes the indoor playground at Five Lakes Centre and the mini golf course by Fairmont Aquatic Park.

They ended up getting five bikes through On Bike Share.

“They’re regular pedal bikes,” Olson said.

Ed Willette, another member of the group, added that the bikes have seven speeds and expressed that they’re durable.

The bikes will be located at a docking station by the Fairmont Aquatic Park. People will need to download the On Bike Share app in order to use a bike. After they’re done, people will need to return the bike to the docking station.

“You will need to put in a credit card number in case you don’t return the bike or it gets vandalized, but otherwise it’s free,” Olson explained.

She also stressed that the bikes are for those 18 years and older and are not for children.

“We’re hoping that adults in Fairmont who don’t have one, or grandparents who come to town can ride them on the trails. People visiting Fairmont who don’t want to bring their own bikes can use them,” Olson said.

The city of Fairmont has assisted the group in installing the cement pad, which it started pouring on Tuesday, and securing the docking station. Landsteiner Repair will cover maintenance of the bikes.

“We’re really happy with all of the partnerships we’ve had with SHIP and the city,” Olson said.

SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) awarded the group a $10,000 grant to help cover the cost of the program.

After all of its work and patience, members of the group are excited to finally make this dream project a reality for Fairmont.

“We are anxious to provide convenient, affordable and accessible bicycle access to the city of Fairmont’s beautiful trail system,” said Olson.