City Encourages Public Participation and Input on Monday at Bike Share Event

Bloomington, Ind. -  On Monday, November 6, the City of Bloomington and Indiana University will host a public event designed to give the community an opportunity to learn more, ask questions, and give input about the bike share partnership announced earlier this week. The event takes place at City Hall (401 N. Morton St.) in Council Chambers from 4:00-6:30 p.m.  In addition to giving the community a forum to exchange ideas with representatives from both the City and IU, event goers can preview and ride a sample of the type of bicycle being considered for the bike pool.

Announced earlier this 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 alternatives available, bicycling is more widely and financially accessible than other means of transportation. Designated as a 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.

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’ 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 hopes to rollout the bike share project in spring 2018. The bike pool inventory will initially include 150 bikes, with a potential long-term goal of increasing inventory to one bike per 100 residents.

For more details and the latest information, visit bloomington.in.gov/bikeshareproject.