The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) today announced five public meetings to introduce Chicago residents and businesses to the city’s new bike share program, and has launched a website for Chicagoans to suggest locations for bike share stations.

“Bike share will introduce a new way to get around Chicago.  It’s fast, convenient, and affordable,” said CDOT Commissioner, Gabe Klein. “We look forward to feedback from the public and generating excitement for this new way of getting around Chicago.” 

At the meetings in late October and early November, representatives from CDOT and Alta, the bicycle provider and operator, will discuss the new program and answer questions. Attendees can suggest locations to install bike stations in the proposed service area.

Chicagoans can also use a new website -- www.chicagobikes.org/bikeshare -- to suggest locations for bike stations and receive additional information on the program.

Chicago’s initial bike share service area will will be generally bounded by 63rd Street and Devon Avenue, and from Lake Michigan to California Avenue.  The service will launch in the Spring of 2013, and by the end of the year, will have 400 stations and 4,000 bikes in the system.

The meetings will be held in the North, South and Central regions of the service area.  They are free and open to everyone, with no RSVP required. All meeting locations are accessible by CTA.

Chicago Bike Share Meetings:

Monday, October 29
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Avenue

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Pop-up meeting at Union Station

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Chicago Architecture Foundation
224 S. Michigan Avenue

Tuesday, October 30
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Lincoln Belmont Public Library
1659 W. Melrose Street

Wednesday, November 7
6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Charles Hayes Center
4859 S. Wabash Avenue

Chicago’s bike share system will provide a convenient, easy-to-use transit option available 24/7. It is envisioned for point-to-point short trips, or as alternative option for a multi-mode commute. Users will pick up a bike from a self-service docking station and return it to the station nearest their destination.

The specially designed bikes will be comfortable for all users.  Features include a one-size fits all design, upright handlebars, wide seats, hand brakes, and a chain guard to protect clothing.

Membership and user fees will be affordable for Chicagoans and visitors alike. Users will be able to purchase yearly memberships or daily passes.  Members will sign up via a website, while one-time cyclists will use a credit card at the automated kiosk. 

The solar-powered docking stations will be placed approximately a quarter-mile apart and located in high-density areas, including near transit stations. CDOT will work with the operator and the public to determine station locations. Stations are modular and mobile; they can be expanded in reaction to demand, or moved based on need or construction. Initial funding for the program is from federal grants for projects that reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. 

People are encouraged to visit www.chicagobikes.org/bikeshare to learn more about the program, and follow CDOT on Twitter (@ChicagoDOT) and Facebook.com/CDOTnews.