Seattle exploring bike-sharing program
SEATTLE -- The city of Seattle is looking for deals on two wheels.
A collapsible two-wheeler is how a Ballard Company hopes to promote a bike-sharing program in Seattle.
Bike sharing is an eco-friendly option for short trips. The idea is to have rental stations throughout the city so people can check out a bike in one neighborhood and return it in another.
City and county leaders are backing the idea, and invited three bike-sharing businesses to compare their systems side-by-side.
Fees and locations are still up in the air.
Some programs make the first 30-minutes free, then start pro-rating charges.
The goal is to keep it convenient.
"So the whole idea of a bike share is that you don't have to care for a bike other than when you're riding it," said Micael Thiodet with The Bike Share Group.
One tough sell to get people on two wheels, is all the city's steep hills, but some of the bikes offer three speed gears that can be adjusted to any type of terrain.
Bike share programs already operate in Paris, Montreal and other cities. Supporters say Seattle is ideally suited.
"Any bike share system could work in a city like Seattle," said Braunyno Belo.
Seattle is still exploring its options for a bike-share program, and gauging interest among the public.
A collapsible two-wheeler is how a Ballard Company hopes to promote a bike-sharing program in Seattle.
Bike sharing is an eco-friendly option for short trips. The idea is to have rental stations throughout the city so people can check out a bike in one neighborhood and return it in another.
City and county leaders are backing the idea, and invited three bike-sharing businesses to compare their systems side-by-side.
Fees and locations are still up in the air.
Some programs make the first 30-minutes free, then start pro-rating charges.
The goal is to keep it convenient.
"So the whole idea of a bike share is that you don't have to care for a bike other than when you're riding it," said Micael Thiodet with The Bike Share Group.
One tough sell to get people on two wheels, is all the city's steep hills, but some of the bikes offer three speed gears that can be adjusted to any type of terrain.
Bike share programs already operate in Paris, Montreal and other cities. Supporters say Seattle is ideally suited.
"Any bike share system could work in a city like Seattle," said Braunyno Belo.
Seattle is still exploring its options for a bike-share program, and gauging interest among the public.