Mayor Walsh and Boston Medical Center Launch "Prescribe-a-Bike" Subsidized Hubway Membership Program

Mayor Walsh and Boston Medical Center Launch "Prescribe-a-Bike" Subsidized Hubway Membership Program

Doctors refer low-income patients for $5 Hubway membership

BOSTON -- The City of Boston and the Boston Medical Center (BMC) announce the launch of "Prescribe-a-Bike," a landmark new partnership to address disparities in physical fitness and health, and to increase access to affordable transportation for low-income Boston residents. 

"There is no other program like this in the country," says Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, "Prescribe-a-Bike makes the link between health and transportation, and ensures that more residents can access the Hubway bike share system."

The City of Boston aims to enroll 1,000 low-income residents in the subsidized Hubway membership program.  

"Obesity is a significant and growing health concern for our city, particularly among low-income Boston residents," said BMC President and CEO Kate Walsh, adding that statistics show that close to one in four low-income Boston residents is obese, almost double the rate for higher-income residents. "Regular exercise is key to combating this trend, and Prescribe-a-Bike is one important way our caregivers can help patients get the exercise they need to be healthy." A recent study of the health benefits of the London bike share system found that using bike share had a positive overall impact on health, particularly among older users. 

Prescribe-a-Bike allows BMC medical professionals to write prescriptions for Hubway memberships. Patients pay only $5 for an annual membership, which entitles them to an unlimited number of trips on Hubway bikes, as long as the bikes are used for 30 minutes or less at a time. Subsidized members also receive a free helmet. 

Prescribe-a-Bike builds on the City’s highly successful existing subsidized membership program. To date, Boston has enrolled 897 subsidized members, who combined have taken 35,000 trips on Hubway bikes. 

To qualify for the subsidized Hubway memberships, participants must be Boston residents age 16 or older, and must either be receiving some form of public assistance or have a household income of no more than 400% of poverty level.

Interested residents can get a subsidized coupon by reaching out to their BMC medical professional or calling Boston Bikes at 617-918-4456.