HASTINGS — A free bicycle share program is set to launch in a city southeast of St. Paul.

City of Hastings spokeswoman Lee Stoffel said a 10-bike station for the program should be ready to go as soon as July 6. According to a press release, the bikes will be free to use for as long as four hours, with each additional hour costing $3.

Stoffel said the shorter rides are free this year because of funding from the United Way of Hastings and a program through Allina Health-Regina Hospital. She said the city hopes to keep it free beyond this year by getting more funding through partners.

In St. Paul and Minneapolis, bikes can be rented out at stations through Nice Ride Minnesota.