Press Releases

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release #18-026
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
Contact: Scott Gastel/Brian Zumhagen (212) 839-4850

Five-Borough Bike Share: NYC DOT Announces That Twelve Companies Have Submitted Proposals for “Dockless” Bike Share

DOT is now reviewing submissions that would complement Citi Bike system; Leading bike-share companies responded to a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for a pilot to bring dockless public bike sharing to more outer-borough neighborhoods

NEW YORK–– The New York City Department of Transportation announced today that twelve different companies had submitted proposals to bring “dockless” bike share to New York City for the first time. The NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently evaluating the responses to a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) with the goal to pilot dockless bike share this year in outer-borough neighborhoods that Citi Bike has not yet reached — including in the Bronx and on Staten Island.

"We are thrilled that so many of the industry leaders in bike share from around the world want to try their wheels on New York City’s streets," said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "Citi Bike has been such an incredible success story in getting New Yorkers on bicycles – transportation that is affordable, safe, sustainable and fun. The robust response of dockless bike companies to this pilot is great news, which could allow us to move beyond the Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens neighborhoods that Citi Bike now covers so well."

DOT received expressions of interest for the dockless pilot from the following bike share companies:

  • JUMP
  • lennybike
  • LimeBike
  • MetroBike
  • Mobike
  • Motivate (Citi Bike’s parent company)
  • ofo
  • P3GM
  • Pace (subsidiary of Zagster)
  • QuimoCycle
  • Riide
  • Spin

In December, DOT released an RFEI to evaluate the expansion of bike share within New York City. While New York City’s bike share program, Citi Bike, does not now include pedal-assist electric bicycles, they are a popular bike-share option in other cities, including Washington DC. While the DOT RFEI was specifically focused on evaluating the feasibility of bike share systems that could operate without docks, the RFEI also allowed submissions to include pedal-assist options, which several pilot submissions did. Earlier this month, the Mayor announced a clarification of state law that will allow pedal-assist bicycles in New York City under a new legal framework.

The RFEI sought ideas around next-generation “dockless” public bike share systems. The City will continue to support and strengthen Citi Bike, and prioritize new systems that complement existing service. Citi Bike has had more than 56 million trips since its launch. New systems will be required to operate outside of the Citi Bike area, thereby not undermining current bike share service. DOT’s review of RFEI submissions is ongoing, with an announcement about selected proposals expected to be made this summer.

"I look forward to a pilot program that allows a responsible operator to provide Staten Islanders with an affordable, safe, and convenient bike share system that is designed and operated in a way that reflects the unique character of Staten Island," said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo.

"Bicycles have become one of New York’s leading modes of transportation," said Assembly Assistant Speaker Felix W. Ortiz. I welcome dockless bikes as a new addition to the many alternatives our residents and visitors have to travel around town. Bikes are welcome to cross our streets and avenues in safe, responsible manner along with auto drivers and pedestrians."

"With the growing number of commuters choosing alternative transportation methods, I believe systems, such as dockless bike sharing provide even more opportunities throughout all five boroughs to keep up with this trend," said Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi. "I look forward to continue working with the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to support dockless bike sharing."

"Bike share has been a success in the city and definitely key in shifting towards a society less dependent on car ownership. The prospect of expanding bike share to other parts of the city will allow New Yorkers to consider more ways to move about the city and reduce our impact on the environment," said Ydanis Rodriguez, chair of the Council Committee on Transportation. "At the same time, any new system must be as safe and orderly as CitiBike."

"Bike sharing has not only provided more affordable, green transportation options to New Yorkers, it has also been an economic boon to many neighborhoods throughout the city," said Council Member Robert Cornegy. "Expanding bike share to more neighborhoods through ‘dockless’ bike share will only further bolster the local economy, as well as providing even more New Yorkers with healthy transportation alternatives."

"I am delighted that so many companies have responded to the RFEI for a dockless bike share program," said Council Finance Chair Daniel Dromm. "My constituents currently do not have access to Citi Bike. This innovative program will provide them with an easier and more affordable option for their daily commute. I am pleased to work with the administration to bring this convenient and environmentally-friendly method of transportation to my district and other communities across the city."

"The City has spent years working to get bike sharing in all five boroughs and although we have made a lot of progress some areas don't have it. After personally meeting with vendors to look into how areas that do not have a bike share system yet could be better served I am grateful to Mayor Bill de Blasio for taking the next step in this process announcing the 12 companies who submitted Request for Expressions of Interest. We are now one step closer to bringing a bike share program to all of New York City in a safe and organized way." said Council Member Ben Kallos.

"I fully support the Department of Transportation’s proposal to pilot a dockless bike share program in New York City," said Council Member Antonio Reynoso. "Citi Bike stations have greatly benefited residents of my district by providing an environmentally responsible, convenient, and affordable transportation alternative. Now, residents of other outer-borough communities will realize those benefits as well. Furthermore, this program will complement the existing Citi Bike program; bolstering our efforts to create a greener and more accessible city."

"As an avid cyclist, I am thrilled to hear that so many companies have submitted proposals for dockless bike share, which will greatly increase the number of New Yorkers with access to this form of transportation," said Council Member Helen Rosenthal. "Bike share services are helping to change the culture of our city, bringing control of our streets back to people, as opposed to vehicles. We have a long way to go but New York is on its way to becoming a bike-friendly city, which would have seemed unthinkable only a few years ago."

"I am thrilled that the City recognizes the potential of dockless bikeshare in underserved communities like the Rockaways," said Council Member Eric Ulrich. "All New Yorkers should have access to affordable and reliable transportation alternatives."

For more information on New York City’s bike share system please go to www.nyc.gov/bikeshare

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