Columbia launches bike share program.

• Position: Brief article

The city of Columbia launched its new bike share program on Monday as Mayor Steve Benjamin cycled under the Lincoln Street tunnel onto the Vista Greenway.

The Blue Bike program is sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and will be operated in conjunction with Canada-based bike share companyBewegenTechnologies Inc. Its first phase features 135 bikes, including electric-assist models, at 15 rental stations located in the Main Street, Five Points and Vista areas.

Memberships can be purchased at www.bluebikesc.com.

Benjamin was joined by BlueCross BlueShield division president Scott Graves and Bewegen CEO Alain Ayotte at a news conference...