Bike-Share Programs Could Supplement Public Transportation As States Reopen

Across the country, states are reopening businesses and public spaces. But as people leave home, how are they choosing to get to the places they’ve been unable to access? Bike-sharing may provide a great option to keep people on the move and keep people safe. 

There are reports across the United States of increased traffic patterns on major roads and in cities. All 50 states have eased lockdown restrictions, and some have even removed all warnings against full offices, restaurants, and retail spaces. That means workers are coming back in droves, and the roads are full again. One contributing factor to the renewed traffic concerns arise from a fear of public transport. Even with social distancing efforts in place on trains and buses, large cities have a hard time ensuring travelers of a safe environment. 

Public transport plays a huge role in helping communities fight traffic congestion. However, with well-founded concerns about COVID-19, summer might provide all of North America with some time to invest, experiment, and encourage bike-sharing programs. Those programs come in a wide variety of forms, from completely pay-to-ride apps like Lime and Lyft, to community-supported programs that provide free bikes for specific neighborhoods or restricted areas to reduce traffic. 

Use of shared bikes in either setting have seen a hit-or-miss few months. With so many people staying home, at first, bike sharing took a huge dip in ridership; there simply wasn’t anywhere to go. However, there’s hope. Now, as those same restrictions lift and summer temperatures spreading to large, COVID-hit urban centers like New York City, Chicago, and others, bike-share is slowly coming back to life. 

Communities can invest in bike-share programs now by subsidizing their retail programs by offering to pay for short rentals or inviting companies into their cities. Especially with more cities battling traffic issues, there is a large demand for transportation options that can leave cars already in congested areas parked. For trips under two miles, a bike share program could have a big impact on less crowded sidewalks, buses, trains, and fewer cars, too. 

Bike-share programs have offered creative ways to encourage new users as well. In Mexico City and Bogota, companies gave free rentals to healthcare and essential workers at the peak of coronavirus infections, while others have given registered riders thirty minutes of free riding per day to help cover short trips and keep people in their own community for their basic needs. 

Of course, other elements of the pandemic have made the bicycle, whether shared or owned, more viable. For many, there are fewer errands to run with school, sports, and events cancelled. Many have stayed home even as restrictions list. As life gets more and more busy, will Americans be able to stick with cycling as an option to commute? With companies continuing, transitioning, or encouraging remote work, even the need to commute could change. 

Still, there’s hope that the bicycle will be a go-to option for shorter trips if communities can invest and support the development of going by bike as a healthy habit. 

Do you commute by bike? Do you ride for work or for errands more or less since the pandemic?