St. Augustine’s DRIFTERS City Bike Share Sets Sights On October Launch
ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida (June 22, 2026) – When DRIFTERS owner Ian Guthrie began conceptualizing what would become the DRIFTERS City Bike Share, he knew it needed to be more than just bikes in a rack. He wanted to make it a true community initiative that benefited St. Augustine residents and small business owners. With plans to launch the program in October 2026, Guthrie has designed a biking ecosystem by strategically placing bikes and stations near unique shops, restaurants, and landmarks that showcase the dynamic neighborhoods and economic enclaves of St. Augustine.
“I’ve been a small business owner since 2017, and early on I saw that when we support one another, we create a stronger, more connected community,” shares Ian Guthrie, Owner and Operator of DRIFTERS City Bike Share and DRIFTERS Beach & Bike Rentals. “While the program has been approved by the City of St. Augustine, it’s truly driven by the support of our local business community. I’m currently funding the project myself and have created a sponsorship program where every dollar goes directly back into our city mobility program—helping improve access, connectivity, and the overall experience for locals and visitors alike.”
Launching in October 2026, DRIFTERS new City Bike Share program features 90 bikes, custom-designed by DRIFTERS’ partners at PRIORITY Bicycles, 14 strategically placed tower stations, and up to 62 single-docking stations at participating businesses. Ten bikes will be pedal-assisted and are governed to 15 miles per hour. With up to 170 docking stations supporting a fleet of 90 bikes, DRIFTERS has built a seamless, easy-to-use system that makes hopping on and docking a bike a breeze.
Riders can use the DRIFTERS City Bike Share app, available now on Google Play and Apple App Stores, to get a sneak peek at where the stations will be located, explore local partners, and more. Rental fees will be $5.50 for the first hour, and $4.50 for each additional hour. Pedal-assist bikes will cost the same as regular pedal bicycles. DRIFTERS is offering special pre-launch pricing on its City Bike Local Passports, now through the program's October launch. The City Bike Local Passport, an exclusive membership program for St. Johns County residents, offers unlimited bike rentals for the duration of the membership, and costs $90 for 6 months and $180 for 1 year.
“The City Bike Share program is returning with DRIFTERS as the new service provider,” says Mayor Nancy Sikes-Kline, City of St. Augustine. “It’s great to be able to offer a way for residents and visitors to be out and about and enjoy the outdoors, explore the city, and get some exercise while they’re at it. DRIFTERS has gone above and beyond by offering a custom bike design, mobile app, and creative new partnerships with businesses throughout the community. Not only does this service offer an alternative means of transportation, but it helps the City of St. Augustine to fulfill its mobility program objectives.”
DRIFTERS City Bike Share is funding the project’s costs through a business partnership initiative. Sponsorships are available for larger businesses in a tiered system that offers lifetime perks and premium visibility. The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park, The Kookaburra Coffee, and Stone Climbing Company have already signed on as founding sponsors. Additionally, Guthrie has drawn on his experience as a small business owner to create a unique program called The Collectives. The seven Collectives are location-based and comprise 15 standout local businesses. Each Collective sponsorship is a one-time fee of $1,000. Participants receive a direct website link in the app and a feature in the Collective guide that provides bike routes to the participating businesses’ doors.
