CHICAGO’S DOCKLESS BIKE SHARE PILOT PROGRAM IS ALMOST OVER
Chicago’s Dockless Bike Share Pilot Program Is Almost Over
BY KATHERINE NEWMAN
The City of Chicago’s Dockless Bike Share Pilot Program has been taking place on the far south side, south of 79th Street, since May 1 and will be coming to an end on Nov. 1. Lime, one of the bike share companies that participated in the pilot, is hoping that the City will allow them to stay.
The pilot program was conducted to learn about the potential demand for dockless bikes and to see if a dockless bike share program could work as a way to expand biking options in areas that are not served by Divvy, the current bicycle sharing system in the City of Chicago.
Unlike Divvy’s iconic blue bikes, dockless bike sharing allows riders to begin and end their rides anywhere without finding a docking station.
The vendors that participated in the Dockless Bike Share Pilot Program were Lime, JUMP Bikes, and Pace. Lime operated 50 dockless bikes in the pilot area and said that they saw a tremendous amount of interest in the community.
“There have been thousands of rides and riders. Clearly, this technology is in high demand in the South Side community. We hope that by sharing this data with the City, we will be able to expand our presence in Chicago and provide innovative transportation options for all residents,” said Nico Probst, manager of Midwest Strategic Development at Lime.
Following the completion of the pilot program, city staff will evaluate the impact and success of the dockless bikes before making a decision on the long-term suitability of dockless bike sharing in Chicago.
“Residents should contact their Alderman and tell them that they want to expand this program. Community members should explain that the neighborhoods need more bikes so all Chicago residents are better served by bike share technologies. We hope that by sharing these concerns with the city, we will be allowed to continue and expand our e-bike and scooter programs on the south side,” said Probst.
The dockless bike share pilot service area included part or all of Chicago’s 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 21st, and 34th Wards. These communities were targets because they are not as well serviced by the Divvy bikes. Lime said that their motivation for participating in the pilot program was to help support south side communities in becoming more mobile.
“Lime’s mission is to make the world a more sustainable, efficient, and enjoyable place. Lime is dedicated to revolutionizing urban mobility by helping communities solve transportation issues,” said Probst.
“Lime was motivated to focus its efforts on Chicago’s south side due to the lack of efficient, affordable, and healthy transportation options in the community. Lime’s e-bikes and scooters complement existing transit options while reducing traffic and opening up parking. Having Lime’s e-bikes and scooters on the South Side will help support the vibrant community while reducing local pollution from short trips.”
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