City drops plan for bike-share program

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/city-drops-plan-for-bike-share-progr...

THE city has hit the brakes on a bikeshare pilot project after a request for expressions of interest failed to find anyone willing to operate the program.

Winnipeg had planned to spend $80,000 on a trial project that would allow traditional and electric bikes to be shared as a transportation alternative. Instead, it will back out of that option after officials concluded it would cost too much for the city to run the project on its own.

While the effort began as an innovation project in 2019, it was cancelled before the city spent any money on it.

“It would be a nice thing to have but it’s just not one of those super-feasible things to do without a large amount of public or private funding,” said innovation committee chair Coun. Jeff Browaty.

A civic report noted there had been one expression of interest, but the company asked the city to purchase bikes and other equipment and, as a result, was rejected.

Browaty (North Kildonan) said he expects the program would simply cost too much to pursue alone.

However, a local cycling group is continuing to explore the option.

Mark Cohoe, the executive director of Bike Winnipeg, said his organization is conducting a feasibility study on bike-share programs.

“People are looking for less reliance on private automobiles… (Bike shares) create a more equitable transportation system and you’re also creating something that involves a lot more climate-friendly options,” said Cohoe.

He believes the city would benefit from the change, since bicycle travel could place less wear and tear on local roads and help Winnipeggers connect to Winnipeg Transit routes.

Cohoe said bike-share programs can allow members to rent bikes for short periods or lease them on a monthly basis. He said that could include traditional and electric bikes. Cohoe said the city might be asked to invest in any program proposed by his group.

Meanwhile, the city has also opted against expanding a solar trash-compacting pilot project after it deemed an initial test with 15 “Bigbelly” trash receptacles too limited to prove effective.

Jim Berezowsky, the city’s public works director, said it would cost $1 million to install enough of the containers to cover one high-volume trash collection route. The innovation committee instead opted to let the current solar-powered bins remain in use until they need to be replaced.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @joyanne_pursaga