Bicycle-Sharing Programs

The City of San Diego recently announced a bicycle-sharing program that will make at least 1800 bikes available at self-service kiosks throughout the city.  San Diego will enter into a 10 year partnership with a private firm, DecoBike, who will make a capital investment of over $7,000,000 paid entirely by the company.  Revenue will be generated through daily rentals or monthly or yearly memberships.  San Diego is guaranteed a percentage of the annual revenue and it’s described as a much needed addition to the city transportation network.  DecoBike has installed bicycle-sharing programs in 3 Florida cities and Washington DC and New York City have just launched similar programs.  A bicycle-sharing program may not be economically feasible for a smaller city such as Tucson.  However, this is a program that both Pima County and the City of Tucson should consider.  Share your thoughts about a bike sharing program with the Mayor and City Council and the Pima County Board of Supervisors.