By Jim Hagerty
Contributor

ROCKFORD — Five-hundred dockless bicycles were delivered to the Rockford area Saturday morning by bike-sharing company LimeBike.

The bikes were dropped in Rockford, Loves Park and Machesney Park. Riders can use them after downloading a smartphone app and creating an account with LimeBike. A bike can be unlocked by scanning a barcode on the handlebar neck. The app automatically charges $1 for a 30-minute ride.

When the ride if finished, a lever locks the rear wheel. The wheel can be locked and unlocked during ride time. A receipt shows the length and time of each ride as well as calories burned. Each bike is tracked using GPS.

Officials say the program is marketed to those who don’t have their own bikes and riders who wish to enjoy different views of the city. The LimeBike program comes with no cost to taxpayers. More bikes could be added depending on how much it’s used.

The company is offering a new-rider discount to celebrate the Rockford launch. The promo code LIMEROCKFORD is good for $3 in ride credits. R.