Pilot bike sharing program to start in COH this spring

3 downtown stations

Jay Blazek Crossley, Feb 21, 12.

The City of Houston will deploy a trial 3-station bike sharing program in downtown this spring, according to Bike Radar.

The program is funded by the US Environmental Protection Agency and will be managed by a private company called B-Cycle. The effort is modeled after one started in San Antonio last spring, according to the Houston Chronicle. Some involved in the project envision a continuously growing system of stations, especially at places like light rail stops, according the Chronicle:

Bike Houston president Darren Sabom said the three kiosks and their 18 bikes are designed to show Houston residents how the system works. Ultimately, with the help of donors and grants, additional kiosks may be added at select light rail stops and other locations.

Such a network of kiosks could help residents and visitors navigate the Rice University campus, Hermann Park, the Museum District and the Texas Medical Center.

“After stepping off a bus or train, it would fill the gap of the last five blocks of your trip,” Sabom said.

Sabom said the cost to bike users has not been determined.

Meanwhile, one of the candidates for the University of Houston Student Government Association president, Michael McHugh, is running on a platform that includes implementing a campus wide bike-sharing program, according to the Daily Cougar. Students at Rice University have been developing a campus wide bike sharing program, a shared bike shop, and the role of “bike reps” at each college, according to Rice News.

BikeShare Houston FaceBook page