Public bike share systems have existed for decades in bike-friendly markets like Europe, but only in the last 4 years have we seen them grow and become adopted in North America. Prior to innovative technological applications—such as self-serve kiosks to dispense temporary memberships, GPS and RFID enabled bikes for trip and usage analytics—these systems were plagued by theft and vandalism. But thi
s has changed dramatically—giving way to a transformative transportation alternative. Several metropolitan markets in the US have been the target of these bike share networks—providing autonomous, affordable, and convenient downtown transportation accommodations to its members. Boston is one of them. These unique systems give users the ability to check out bikes, ride them comfortably to their destination (whether shopping, commuting or simply riding for enjoyment and exercise) and deposit the bike at the closest station. Raleigh and select cities of the Triangle, NC meet a thorough criteria for the success of a bike share operation and are an ample spot for a system operator to serve these communities and downtown areas. Raleigh is an increasingly bike-friendly community with infrastructure and public safety support from local government and community development non-profits. Raleigh and its surrounding cities lack a unified, convenient and flexible public transportation system that meets the needs of its downtown-living and commuter habitants as it's seen a population growth of almost 50% in the last decade. Accompanying its population growth, we've seen growth in public transit usage of 24% since 2008 (Capital Area Transit bus boarding and alighting). Raleigh and the Triangle's cycling commuter rates, favorable weather, topography, need for public transit alternatives, availability for transportation funding, and growing entrepreneurial and cycling community make it the perfect location for a bike share system. Seed funding is sought to begin a feasibility study and intense infrastructure and city study and data collection to develop installation plans, partnerships, sponsorships, trip attractors, and station placement. We're going to make Raleigh and the Triangle, NC an even better place to live, work, and play.