A new report from the Great Plains Institute draws on interviews with local stakeholders to examine transportation challenges in the Twin Cities region and offers solutions for building a reliable, affordable bikeshare system that could help address similar challenges across the country.
We recognize that building vibrant and thriving communities means investing in transportation options beyond personal vehicles. GPI supports initiatives to make shared and active transportation accessible to everyone, fostering healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion, and creating more connected neighborhoods while contributing to climate goals.
An opportunity to build a stronger bikeshare system
When the bikeshare system Nice Ride Minnesota ceased operations in 2023, GPI was selected to support the Twin Cities region in developing a future system. GPI saw this as an opportunity not just to rebuild bikeshare in the region but to reimagine bikeshare altogether. The Twin Cities pioneered the first wave of bikeshare in the US, and we intend to help develop a system worth replicating once again.
To support this effort, and with funding from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, GPI recently published the Twin Cities Bikeshare Equity Study.
Report highlights stakeholder perspectives and best practices on bikeshare
From first- and last-mile gaps to affordability issues, stakeholders shared clear ideas about how bikeshare can support a comprehensive transportation network. The report also includes best practices from incredible bikeshare systems across North America, including three case studies highlighting the work of Indego in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, POGOH in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Bublr Bikes in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Here are some of the topics included in the report:
- Pricing and payment
- Public transit integration
- Community engagement
- Vehicle types
We hope this report can serve as a tool to support the ongoing effort to make an electric, equitable, and publicly supported bikeshare system a reality.
Reach out to the Great Plains Institute at [email protected] to learn more about how shared mobility fits into a sustainable transportation system and how you can help guide the future of bikeshare in your region.
