Bike Share Plan Peddles on, Local Kiosks Pending

After being delayed in August, Chicago’s new bike sharing program is once again moving full steam ahead with area officials choosing where to place bike kiosks.

Federal funding was recently approved for the program, according to Sougata Deb, 44th Ward Ald. Tom Tunney’s director of infrastructure and special projects. That means it’s time to start selecting where the hotly anticipated kiosks will land—and fast.

Deb says the kiosks are scheduled to be installed by June.

While Tunney’s ward is slated to receive 28 sharing stations and Ald. Ameya Pawar's (47th) ward will receive 22, it’s unclear how many are coming to the 43rd and 32nd wards, which include portions of Lincoln Park. But according to Ald. Scott Waguespack's Chief of Staff Paul Sajovec, residents won't be disappointed.

“We had a meeting with the folks at (the Chicago Department of Transportation) who are working on the locations,” Sajovec said. “They are proposing locations and asking (Waguespack) for input. At this point, we don’t know for certain how many there will be, but it will be a significant number in 32. Initially the focus is on CTA stations, major retail districts, etc.”

Messages left last week with 43rd Ward Ald. Michele Smith had not been returned as of Monday.

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The significant number of kiosks in the 32nd ward is likely due to the number of requests CDOT received from residents. Back in October, the department launched a bike sharing suggestion map where neighbors could nominate a spot they’d like to see a kiosk and then vote on them.

The most popular location in Lincoln Park—and one of the most in all of Chicago—is on the cusp of the DePaul University campus at the corner of West Fullerton and Sheffield avenues. It garnered 125 votes and 60 comments.

"The Fullerton Elevated is the fourth busiest station in the system," writes Lincoln Park resident Allan Mellis, of the choice. "The location intersects with the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines. There is room for multiple bike share stations."

More than 50 locations were suggested in Lincoln Park.

Chicago is hoping to add 3,000 bikes in the sharing program, with plans to increase that number to 4,000 by 2014. Riders can buy a one-day pass for $7, or a yearly pass for $75. The first 30 minutes of every ride is free, followed by a $1.50 surcharge for an extra 30 minutes.

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