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Last updated on Thursday, November 2, 2017
(BLOOMINGTON) - Mayor John Hamilton joined Indiana University’s Kevin Whited to announce a new partnership between the CIty and IU in the form of a bike share initiative.
Still in its early planning stages, the new bike share is slated to launch in early 2018. A joint request for proposals (RFP) will be issued for the project next week.
The bike share project is designed to utilize existing infrastructure both downtown and on IU's campus while simultaneously reducing the community's carbon footprint. One of the healthiest commuting alternative available, bicycling is more widely and financially accessible than other means of transportation.
Designated as a gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, Bloomington offers riders bicycle-friendly streets and pathways. Bike sharing complements the City's previous investments to create a bicycle-friendly community.
"Bloomington is well known as a leader in efforts to protect the environment and is already acknowledged as a bicycle-friendly city. A Bloomington bike share makes great sense," commented Mayor John Hamilton. "A partnership between the overlapping IU and Bloomington communities will provide the new program its best chance for success by reaching the most potential riders. Thank you to IU for sharing our enthusiasm and joining us to propel the project forward."
The City proposes an initial pool inventory of 150 bikes and is considering a long-term goal of increasing inventory to offer one bike per 100 residents. Final decisions will depend on public input and the responses to the RFP.
Whited, IU's Transportation Demand Management Coordinator and Bicycle Manager, said, "We're excited to launch a joint bike share program with the City of Bloomington that will provide an additional healthy and environmentally-sensitive way for students, faculty, staff, and citizens to move in and around our campus as well the City of Bloomington. These bicycles will improve the connectivity of the area without adding to traffic congestion, and we're proud to partner with the City on this effort."
Initially proposed is a smartphone app-based payment method for users, eliminating docking stations and credit card kiosks that have proven problematic in other communities with bike share programs. An alternative payment method would also be available, with specifics to be decided upon by the vendor and public input.
The City of Bloomington and Indiana University invite the community to learn more about the new bike share partnership on Monday, November 6, from 4 - 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. The public is encouraged to give input, ride a bike share bike, and engage with City and IU officials about the bike share partnership.
For more details and the latest information, visit bloomington.in.gov/bikeshareproject.
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