Public bike-sharing system display in Philadelphia

The bikes and solar powered kiosk station will be available to try out. It is the same bike-sharing equipment currently being used in the Denver, Colorado B-cycle system and in this summer’s Chicago, Illinois pilot program.

Bike sharing is the future of public transportation on two wheels, providing door-to-door mobility. By placing bicycles at stations throughout the urban area, people easily can use them to commute to work, to run errands, to socialize or just to enjoy a healthier life style.

Russell Meddin, founding member of Bike Share Philadelphia, says, “Philadelphia is the perfect city for bike sharing. The geography, the density of the population, a large student body, the need for mobility and the existing public transit infrastructure all make it the ideal choice for a bike-sharing system.”

According to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, who recently rode the bike-sharing system in Denver, said its B-cycle system is, “a model for America.”

Meddin says that “Bike sharing has been transformational in London, Paris, Washington, D.C., Denver, and Minneapolis. It’s time for Philadelphia to join these great cities.”

In Philadelphia, bicycles would be placed in secure stations throughout the city. To use these bikes, individuals would sign up online in advance, or at a station kiosk.  For a nominal access fee, either on a daily, weekly or yearly basis the bikes are available for the first 30 minutes of use at no extra charge. There would be a small fee for each additional ½ hour. The bikes could be returned to any station in the city, making it true point-to-point transportation. With stations located no more than about three blocks from each other, bike sharing gives new meaning to convenience.

Come join us for a ride!

Dates: 

Thursday, August 26th at 36th & Walnut Streets, 10 am to 6 pm, in front of the Penn Bookstore in University City in cooperation with the University of Pennsylvania. Event Page

Friday August 27th at Love Park (JFK Plaza) – 15th & JFK Blvd, 10 am to 6 pm, in cooperation with the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities. Event Page

Saturday, August 28th at Penn’s Landing on the Walnut Plaza, 10 am to 6 pm, in cooperation with the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. Event Page

Bike Share Press Release

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal