After a small pilot project last summer, the National Capital Commission announced Friday that it will be launching a rental bike program.

The Bixie Bike program will have ten rental stations with 100 bikes across the city located across Ottawa.

Riders will have to swipe a credit card in order to unlock a bike. The first half hour is free but the card will be charged for additional time.

When a user is done with a bike, they just have to lock it up at another Bixie docking station.

NCC chief Marie Lemay said the project will benefit area residents and allow them to get around easier.

The goal of the Bixie Bike program is to eventually have 500 bikes and 50 stations throughout the Ottawa and Gatineau area.

The program is already popular in Montreal and many European cities, including London.