Bike Sharing: Wicker Park has Most Demanded Kiosk in Chicago

The Chicago Department of Transportation is gearing up for the 2013 debut of its new bike-sharing program, and that includes getting locals to suggest the locations of the bike kiosks in Bucktown and Wicker Park.

Residents are asked to suggest locations on a new interactive map for where they’d like to pick up and drop off bikes around town. And with roughly 35 locations already suggested in Bucktown and Wicker Park, the map is already snagging locals’ attention.

“Bike share will be a new way to get around Chicago,” the website reads. “It is an affordable, self-service personal transit system that allows bikes to be picked up from one location and ridden to any other location in the system. Commuters, residents, and tourists don’t need to own a bike to make bicycling a part of their trip! Already successful in cities around the world, bike share in Chicago will make it easier for everyone to get around.”

Those interested in suggesting a kiosk location can visit the new CDOT website, add a location and comment on why it will be used. Locals can even click to support locations already suggested on the map.

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So far, two of the most popular submissions in Chicago are in Wicker Park. One suggestion at the corner of North Damen and North avenues has 33 supporters. However, with 62 supporters, the idea to put a kiosk at West Division Street and Ashland Avenue – also known as the Polish Triangle – has the most supporters in the entire city of Chicago.

"We need bike sharing at the Polish Triangle," wrote Scott Rappe. "This major intersection is a multi-modal transportation center that serves as the gateway to at least six walkable communities. With the blue line, three bus lines, a cab stand, and the Kennedy Expressway a block away, the addition of bikes would complete the transportation offerings."

On Tuesday, CDOT announced five public meetings to introduce Chicagoans to the bike share program. The meetings in late October and early November will be available to discuss bike sharing and address any questions residents have about the new initiative.

 "This major intersection is a multi-modal transportation center that serves as the gateway to at least six walkable communities..."

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

The bike share project was awarded $22 million in federal funding, which will pay for 4,000 bikes and 400 rental kiosks in two phases, Grid Chicago reports.

Ben Gomberg, CDOT's Bicycle Program Coordinator, told the publication that now the challenge is find the 20 percent of $5.5 million that locals are required to match, so if anyone has a friend with a few extra million dollars, Chicago would gladly name the bike share system after the person.