Bike Sharing: Lincoln Square Residents to Choose Kiosk Locations

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 Lincoln Square.

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 18 locations already suggested in Lincoln Square, 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, the most popular location in Lincoln Square – and one of the most popular thus far in Chicago – is at the Western Brown Line Station.

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.

“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.