Bikeshare Bonanza in Toronto

[marmar]

from NOW Toronto:




By Ben Spurr


It’s been less than two months since Bixi bikes rolled onto our streets, but the Toronto Cyclists Union says demand is already so high it’s clear the program needs to be dramatically expanded.

According to the TCU, in just its first month of operation Bixi logged a whopping 64,500 trips on its fleet of 1,000 bikes. Much of the usage has been at Bixi stations at the periphery of the current service area, which stretches from Bloor to the waterfront, and from Spadina Ave. to Jarvis St.

“Right now the highest demand is in the edges of the service area. The docking stations on those streets are receiving the highest amount of use,” said the TCU’s Andrea Garcia. “In Montreal before they expanded the Bixi program they saw a similar pattern. It means people outside the service area are using the system.”

The TCU wants to increase Bixi’s fleet by 2,000 bikes and expand the service area north to Dupont, west to High Park, and east to Broadview. That resembles recommendations city staff made when Bixi was first brought to Toronto. Those plans were eventually scaled down however. ...........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/news/story.cfm?content=181431

[onehandle]

1. You know what would be a good 'build something' project for the Obama Administration?

Bikeshare programs from coast to coast.

I dream...