Last year the DOT issued a Request for Expression of Interest to explore the feasibility of a bike-share program in New York. Several vendors responded, each presenting their vision for how a bike-share system could be implemented here. Yesterday, the Department of City Planning released a comprehensive study entitled “Bike-Share Opportunities in New York City” which examines the history of bike-share programs, presents case studies, evaluates existing bicycling conditions, estimates demand, and calculates capital and operating costs. The model recommended would have the city pay for the initial capital costs with the selected vendor operating under a service contract. Operating costs would be covered by user fees and when the system expands, advertising revenue under a franchise contract.
I believe that 20-30% of New York could and should be commuting by bicycle. We are nearly as flat as Amsterdam, our weather is milder than Copenhagen, and our city core is more compact than Paris or London. I think implementing a successful bike-share program is the best way to achieve this mode-split. It takes away the cost of ownership (the proposed annual pass is just $60) and the burden of maintenance. It allows for one way trips by bike in case of bad weather (or intoxication). Bike-share also works well with existing transit and can be used to cover the first or last few miles. The Paris program Velib has changed the way Parisians move around the city. A successful bike share program in New York could change the way biking is perceived, and take it from the fringe to the mainstream.
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