Vancouver's long-awaited bike share service launching today

The City of Vancouver'slong-awaitedbike share programfinally rolls out today with 250 bikes available to people who purchased founding memberships.

Afoundingmembership plan, which ends July 31, is available for $99 for a year, with unlimited free rides that take less than half an hour.

The rental network which will eventually include up to 1,500 bike operates like a car share, with annual memberships and ride costs based on the amount of time the bikes are used.

Today, bikes will be available at23 stations across the city.The service areas will include downtown Vancouver, and will be bordered by Arbutus Street, West16thAvenueand Main Street.

A second phase could broaden the zone from Macdonald Street in the westto Commercial Drive in the east.

"We're looking forwardto this being just another option for people who are exploring the city and enjoying mobility," said Scott Edwards, the city's manager of public bike share.

Thief strikes early

Free helmets, which are locked to the bikes, are available to users. But at one station this morning the cord had been cut on one bike and the helmet was missing.

Edwards said he hopes vandalism can be minimized. If there is damage, the contractor is responsible for maintenance and repairs.

The city signed a five-year agreement with CycleHop Canada and Mobi to operate the program earlier this year.

Test drive

CBC Vancouver social media editor TamaraBalujagaveMobi, Vancouver's bike share program,a spin and shared her experience onSnapchat.

Follow CBC Vancouver onSnapchat.To follow, press and hold over this image in the Snapchat app.

With files fromFarrah Merali