Lawrence Bike Share Feasibility Study Stakeholder Meeting June 2016
Agenda 1. Project background 2. Bike share overview 3. How can you help?
Project Background University of Kansas - KU Yellow bikes(pre 2003) Student Senate bike rental/share (2012) Rec Services begins bike rental (2013) Countywide Bikeway Plan (2014) Recommends bike share feasibility study MPO applies for and receives Planning Grant Funding (2015)
Toole Design Group Bicycle and pedestrian planning, engineering and design Bike share: Feasibility studies Business plans RFP development System planning and permitting We are not a vendor we do not sell equipment or operating services
Where Project we re at Timeline Project kick-off April 2016 Governance / ownership analysis Business pro-forma Existing conditions review June 2016 System planning Final Report Dec 2016 Public and stakeholder outreach May / June 2016 Goal setting Aug 2016
How Does Bike Share How to check out Work? a bike Bicycles docked at stations or hubs Automated checkout Membership fee, with free short rides
What Who is bike Uses share? Bike Share? Residents Commuters Employees Visitors (short-stay) Tourists (long-stay) Students Someone else pays
Current Bike systems Share Globally
Bike Share in the United Current systems States Approx. 40 systems in operation and many more in planning
Bike Share Bike Share in the in Region the Region Green Apple Bikes- Facebook Manhattan 9 stations / apx. 54 bikes Free bikes- honor system Launched in 2015 Non-profit, supported by volunteers, donors, and sponsors kansascity.bcycle.com Kansas City 27 stations / 500 bikes Smart dock technology Launched in 2012 Non-profit owner Funded by the City of Kansas City, MO and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City Topeka topekametrobikes.org 200 bikes; 200 new public racks Smart bike technology $20 annual memberships for Washburn students Launched in 2015 Operated by Topeka Metro Transit
Smart-bike Docking technology Technology Smart Bikes Smart Docks
Bike Technology
Other Technologies Michael Henry Photography Bike library Fort Collins, CO Free bike share Green Apple Bikes, Manhattan, KS Custom bike fleet Graduate Hotel, Tempe, AZ
How far does $1 million go? System Costs Smart Dock Smart Bike Operations 20 stations, 200 bikes 28 stations, 350 bikes 45 stations, 400 bikes/year BCycle, Motivate, Beweegen Social Bicycles, Next Bike BCycle, Motivate
Station Placement On-Street, Seattle, WA Approval from City Street Department Sidewalk, Hamilton, ON Approval from City Street Department Off-Street, Philadelphia, PA Approval from Parks Department and Museum Board
Safety Safety Very low crash rates (lower than private bicycling) Bicycle design encourages slow speed and good riding behavior Safety messaging and programs Free or discounted helmets for members
Potential Opportunities Benefits Vibrant downtown Universities Supportive policy Increasing bike infrastructure Active local partners Increasing public health
Potential Challenges Several significant hills Still growing bikeway network User revenues are unlikely to cover full operating cost (consider other funding sources, e.g., sponsorship) Automobile use is high and parking cost is low Finding a champion to advocate for a system and establishing an entity to oversee operations
Opportunities and Discussion challenges What do you think are the biggest opportunities for a bike share system in Lawrence? What are the biggest challenges a program would face in Lawrence?
Round-table Discussion discussion What kind of governance structure could work in Lawrence? How might bike share fit into your organization or be used by your staff/members? How would you see your organization being involved?
Funding Funding Sources Options PUBLIC OTHER GRANTS ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP USER REVENUES Federal State Local Health organizations Active living organizations Local foundations Local businesses Naming rights Advertising Station or bike sponsorship Digital assets Membership sales Student fees Fares Overage fees Capital Operations
Sponsor outreach Discussion Who are possible candidates for sponsorship? Who else should we be talking to?
Spread Online the word Outreach Wikimap: 72 comments Survey: 250 responses
If bike share were available in Lawrence, would you use it? Potential Online Challenges Outreach
How often would you use bike share? Potential Online Challenges Outreach
Wikimap Potential Online Challenges Outreach
Ranking program Discussion outcomes What are the highest priority outcomes for a bike share system in Lawrence? Outcome Description Ranking (1 high; 8 low) Economic Development Mobility Culture Tourism Recreation Equity Student Mobility Health Bike share could help attract residents, businesses, and students; and encourage local spending Bike share could increase transportation options to transit, local neighborhoods, and key destinations Bike share could help attract new riders and encourage bicycling as safe and fun Bike share could serve visitors and tourists by linking them to major destinations Bike share could increase opportunities for active recreation by connecting safe and enjoyable places to ride Bike share could decrease barriers to affordable and convenient transportation for low income and minority populations Bike share could focus on university campuses to provide transportation options for students Bike share could focus on public health and be marketed as a healthy form of recreation and transportation
Sponsor outreach Questions?