NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — The Pace bike-share program is returning to Norfolk today following a winter hibernation.

Members of the public were invited to a group ride that launched from City Hall’s Civic Plaza at noon to mark re-launch of Pace.

City officials say its fleet of Pace bikes were overhauled during the winter months. 

Pace is a nationwide bike-sharing program that allows riders to rent bikes — at a cost of $1 per half hour — through a free mobile app.

Norfolk’s Pace program was launched in April 2018 with 150 bikes and 15 bike racks. That fleet has since grown to 200 bikes and 39 stations. 

“Last year we had about 45,000 trips and 11,000 people had the Pace apps on their phones. We’re hoping for a lot more ridership this year and to get more people out to enjoy pace bikes,” said Paul Filion with Norfolk’s Department of Transportation.

Filion says Norfolk had one of the most successful launches in the country.

New pricing options will be available this year that the city says will make it even easier to ride.

Filion says having Pace out all year long is something they will think about, but it’s the company’s decision.

“Depending on the weather, we’d like to keep it a year-long system. We know commuters especially are relying on fire mile/last mile connection around the city and we want to give some opportunities to do that,” he said.