Vancouver to launch bike sharing service this summer
CycleHop to begin Vancouver operation in June
The City of Vancouver's long-awaited bike share program appears set to finally roll out in time for this summer.
City councillors announced today that the city signed a five-year agreement with CycleHop Canada to operate the program.
"Public bike share will extend the reach of transit and walking trips and will be a great way for people to move around Vancouver, while supporting our Healthy City and Greenest City goals," wrote Mayor Gregor Robertson in a media release.
The service will launch in June with 100 stations and an initial fleet of 1,000 bicycles. The company plans to add another 500 bikes and 50 stations by the end of the year.
The service areas will include the downtown area, and will be bordered by Arbutus Street, West 16th Ave., and Main Street.
Helmets will be available at no additional cost to users.
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The city says it's supporting the project with $5 million over five years.
CycleHop operates a bike share program in Ottawa-Gatineau as well as in several U.S. cities including Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Atlanta.
Vancouver's bike share program was first announced nearly seven years ago but has been plagued by setbacks.
