The City of Vancouver’s bike share program has been delayed once again. We’ve been hearing about the plan since 2011. As of 2013, tourists and residents expected to benefit from a public bike share system. But the latest news is that Vancouver’s bike share dream is pushed back to 2015.
Why? This time, it’s because Bixi, the company set to run the program, has been experiencing financial woes. The Globe & Mail chalks this up to growing pains for the bike share company. Bike sharing has gone from nonexistent in 2012 to more that 25,000 bikes in more than 30 cities in North America. They’re struggling to keep up with demand as well as properly organize supply. Meanwhile, sponsorship for the program is far from sored. Read more on that here.
The bike share program is a part of the city’s Transportation 2040 plan and Greenest City 2020 action plan. It’s intended to add a convenient, and affordable way to cycle in Vancouver while reducing vehicle use and encouraging cycling.
When it does become reality, bikes (and sanitized helmets!) will be located at automated docking stations throughout the city.
More than 500 cities around the world, such as Montreal, New York City, Boston, and Washington, DC, have started public bike shares.
Last modified: April 28, 2014
