For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wood County Health Department has been notified by Zagster, Inc. that they will discontinue the River Riders Bike Share program in Wisconsin Rapids.

“The notification from Zagster indicated due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic all bikes and stations will be removed from our community,” a Wood County Health Department release said.

River Riders Bike Share started in Wisconsin Rapids in 2014 by community members who saw the need for additional transportation and recreation options.

“Many community members utilized this program as a mode of transportation, a way to explore the beautiful city, and an opportunity to create new relationships with other members of the community. At this time, these unforeseen circumstances have resulted in the discontinuation of the program,” the release added. “Unfortunately, other communities with bike share programs operated by Zagster received the same news.

The department said that avenues will be explored to “bring back innovative transportation and recreation options to Wisconsin Rapids.”