Bike Share Capital Program

Boosting Bike Share

MTC’s Bike Share Capital program is giving a big boost to local Bay Area bike shares with grants for local programs.

Grant funds support local government efforts to conduct community planning and site selection, and to contract with private bikeshare operators.

The selected private operators are providing the bikes, stations, software, apps, customer service, bike maintenance, operations and marketing.

Bike Share Regional Expansion: Recent Programs

Richmond

The City of Richmond’s bike share program launched with 250 short-term use bicycles at 25 stations throughout the city.

The electric pedal-assist bikes promise a smoother electric motor, longer battery life, and airless tires that absorb potholes and other bumps.

SMART Rail + Bike Share in Marin and Sonoma County

Bike sharing is also on track in Marin and Sonoma counties. The program will have a fleet of 300 e-bikes and will be distributed at SMART (Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit) stations along the 45-mile line from north of Santa Rosa to Larkspur.

Bike share stations will also be placed at popular locations in cities up and down the rail corridor.

The project is funded through an $826,000 regional Bike Share Capital grant awarded by MTC. If the program catches on with commuters, there may be an option for 50 more bikes.

Current Grant-Supported Pilot Programs

The City of Fremont’s bike share program recently launched with 250 dockless pedal bicycles in public areas around Fremont’s city center. Bike trips cost $1 to start and 15 cents per minute while in use. Monthly and annual passes offer reduced rates.