Bike sharing is close to its tipping point. Bike sharing is dropping worldwide into major cities like dominoes. After it has been proven to work, to quote The New York Times article from a few months back, "there are said to be two types of mayors in Europe, those that have bicycle sharing programs and those that want them." This is the trend. Most of the dominoes have fallen in Europe.
That being said with the launch of Bixi in Montreal, it is apparent that most other Canadian Mayors seem to have Bixi-envy. Edmonton has launched a small summer pilot program with the cooperation of the mayor. Toronto's program from years past has closed down, now the city has entered into sole source negotiation with Public Bicycle System. I have posted in the past that Vancouver is interested and currently have a few small pilot programs running. I can't wait to see the rest of the dominoes fall in Canada (Calgary and Winnipeg whats taking so long?) There are many bicycle sharing companies out there able to provide the services that Bixi does. Please contact me if you would like more information. (Matt@collegebikes.com)
The rest of the world seems to be learning (China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, more) With DC in action and New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia coming on strong lets keep it going. Let us Americans learn from our neighbors up north and MOVE!
UNITED STATES
Philadelphia Biketopia! Link (Nice picture!)
Small Green Bay Bike Share Link
CANADA
Toronto Enters into Sole Source Negotiations with Public Bike Systems (BIXI) Link
Small Edmonton Bike Share Program Launching for City Workers Link
Ottawa Citizen Article Link 1 Link 2
Ottawa Bike Share Trial Run Link
A Day in the Life of Bixi Link
Bixi Launched! Link
OVERSEAS
Bici in Citta Announces 6 New Bike Share Programs! Link
Response: Wow, one company has 42 networks operating in Italy alone!
Budapest Making Moves Link 1 Link 2
Response: Budapest is asking for funding from the EU. Are public bike systems becoming public works projects?! Brilliant. (Thanks CyclingSolution for the info)
Paris Velib "Stop Vandalising" Campaign Link
The Bike is King (in the Netherlands) by Paul DeMaio (BikeShare Blog) Link
Melbourne Plans Link
MISCELLANEOUS
Sharing Economy a Tidal Wave Link
University Bicycle Program Benefits Link
Decent Article about where bike sharing came from and where its going Link
Living Without A Car Link Link 2
Response: I particularly like these articles because I don't own a car myself!
Cool Boston Based Article about Rejuvenating Old Ways of Transportation (Bikes) Link
Recession Changing Green Builders Focus Link
