Bikeshare growth has waxed and waned over the years. The first systems were dock-based and publicly-owned. Newer systems promised flexibility through dockless bikes at little to no public cost, backed in large part by tech-fueled venture capital. Nevertheless, the impact of systems vary greatly today in terms of cost, coverage, equipment availability, and compatibility. Uytae Lee of About Here digs into what sets apart North American bikeshare systems, particularly those in Canada. Spoiler alert: Seattle’s contemporary system doesn’t come out good on cost to riders!
Stephen is a professional urban planner in Puget Sound with a passion for sustainable, livable, and diverse cities. He is especially interested in how policies, regulations, and programs can promote positive outcomes for communities. With stints in great cities like Bellingham and Cork, Stephen currently lives in Seattle. He primarily covers land use and transportation issues and has been with The Urbanist since 2014.
