Two communities in southern Minnesota are proving that small ideas can spark big change. With support from the Faribault, Martin and Watonwan Counties Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (FMW SHIP), both Fairmont and St. James have launched bike share programs that are already helping residents get outside, stay active, and explore their communities in new ways.
These projects grew from local passion, strong partnerships, and a shared belief that getting active should be easy and accessible for everyone.
About FMW SHIP: Driving Health Equity and Community WellbeingWith support from the Minnesota Department of Health and funding from the Minnesota Health Care Access Fund, FMW SHIP helps community partners across the tri-county area create long-lasting changes that improve resident health and wellbeing.
FMW SHIP supports community-driven, evidence-based programs that tackle the root causes of chronic disease, with a particular focus on:
- Improving access to healthy foods
- Expanding opportunities for active living
- Supporting mental health and wellbeing
- Preventing commercial tobacco use
Health & Human Services of Faribault & Martin Counties partners with Watonwan County Human Services to operate the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) grant.
- In Faribault & Martin Counties, SHIP funding is directed by the Stronger Together Coalition, a community health coalition made up of diverse local partners who implement and oversee distribution of SHIP funding.
- In Watonwan County, SHIP funding is directed by the Watonwan County Public Health Advisory Committee.
"Using these bicycles is completely free, and we had good numbers for our first summer in use!"
Meaghan Slama, Project 1590 Board Member
Fairmont: A Community Vision Years in the Making
Fairmont's bike share began with Kids Just Want to Have Fun, a Project 1590 subcommittee known for creating free, family-friendly amenities. After seeing a bike share in Jackson County, the group knew Fairmont could benefit from something similar.
Early conversations with the City of Fairmont raised questions about liability and maintenance, but the group persisted. Their turning point came in 2023 and 2024 when:
- The Stronger Together Coalition approved a $5,000 SHIP grant
- The group raised an additional $5,000 through donations and events
- Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont funded 10 bike helmets
- Fairmont's new City Administrator brought firsthand experience from Jackson's bike share launch
By May 2025, the bikes were installed near the Aquatic Park, a location connected to trails, lakes, and other amenities.
First season impact:
- 257 rides
- 145 registered users
- No theft or intentional damage
- Minimal maintenance needs
"The bike fleet has encouraged healthy, active transportation and allowed more people to enjoy our local parks, trails, and downtown areas."
Tammy Stevens, St. James
St. James: Community-Driven Success
St. James' bike share journey began years ago but stalled due to liability concerns. Everything changed in 2023 when Tammy Stevens, Community Outreach and Marketing Director and President of the St. James Convention and Visitors Bureau, spotted a bike share in Sleepy Eye and immediately saw the potential.
As a member of the Watonwan County Public Health Advisory Committee, Stevens learned about SHIP's active living grant opportunity and brought the idea forward. With grant writing support from SHIP staff, the CVB secured:
- A $5,000 SHIP grant
- A $2,000 Hometown Health Grant from Mayo Clinic Health System in St. James
The City added the program to its insurance, and by Memorial Day 2024, the bike share was officially launched near the St. James pool, campground, and lakeside trail.
First season impact:
- 170 rentals
- Strong use by both residents and campground visitors
- Families checking out bikes together for group rides
What Made These Projects Work?
Across both communities, several themes emerged:
- Strong Local Champions
Trusted groups such as Kids Just Want to Have Fun and the St. James CVB kept the vision alive and moved it forward. - SHIP Support
FMW SHIP provided funding, technical assistance, training, and help navigating city processes. - Learning from Neighbors
Jackson and Sleepy Eye served as real-world examples that eased concerns and inspired confidence. - Strategic Locations
Both bike shares were placed near trails, lakes, aquatic centers, and other high-traffic amenities. - Clear, Accessible Instructions
"How-to" videos created by local volunteers and students made the system feel welcoming and easy to use.
A Regional Movement Toward Active Living
Fairmont and St. James have shown what is possible when communities come together around a shared goal. Their bike share programs are more than a set of bikes - they are a symbol of community pride, healthy living, and local collaboration.
If your community is considering a bike share, these two towns offer a roadmap:
Start with a champion, build strong partnerships, learn from others, and keep the focus on creating opportunities for people to move, explore, and connect.
Click here to read the entire Active Living case study.
For more information about Faribault Martin Watonwan SHIP, contact SHIP Coordinator Kaley Hernandez at 507-238-4757 or visit Statewide Health Improvement Partnership.
Projects supported by the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership, Minnesota Department of Health.