NYC Bikeshare will launch in Summer 2012.   It will provide a new transit option for New Yorkers, through a system of 10,000 bikes stationed at kiosks throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and some parts of Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. The initial phase will cover Manhattan below 96th street and Western and Central Brooklyn. This will be a privately sponsored and operated system that will offer annual paid memberships to commuters (or visitors) to use Bike Share. For members, bike use will be at no-charge for short rides (up to 30 minutes or so), with fees increasing for longer durations.  DOT envisions that annual memberships will be less than the cost of a monthly MetroCard.  This program will provide a new public transit option that will increase physical activity, reduce traffic congestion, and be gentler on the environment.  Bike share programs have been launched successfully in Washington, DC, Boston, Denver, and many other cities internationally. 

BIKE SHARE issues for the Bronx: 

1) Placement of the satellite networks. Community interest for Bikeshare plays a role in determining where satellites of the network will be located. So, if we want Bikeshare stations in our neighborhoods, then we need to engage local officials.

2) Access for people without a credit card. Since payment for Bikeshare will be via credit card, those Bronxites without credit cards will not have access to Bikeshare under the current model. This is of particular concern in low income areas. DOT is looking for organizations that may be interested in providing creative ideas to address access and/or to sign on as local partners (for example, to sponsor or “back” memberships for low-income constituents or members without credit cards). 

WE NEED YOUR IDEAS?