Bike Share Hits Speed Bump Over City Ad Contracts
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A pilot program that would allow Angelenos to rent bicycles at kiosks citywide has hit another hurdle.
KNX 1070's Jon Baird reports the setback comes almost a year after city officials announced a $16 million partnership with Bike Nation to set up what would be the second-biggest bike sharing program in the U.S.
Bike Share Hits Speed Bump Over City Ad Contracts
Tustin-based Bike Nation began operations in Anaheim in July 2012 that include 10 kiosks and 100 bikes, but an advertising snag has delayed a similar launch in the city of L.A. after the company planned to advertise on the 400 kiosks where you would rent the bikes.
A City Council Transportation Committee report (PDF) in April recommended the program for approval, but an advertising contract already in existence between the city and two other firms will likely prevent any deal being made in the short term.
Bike Nation CEO Derek Fretheim said corporate sponsorship may be necessary to help fund the bike sharing program, which is not expected to debut until 2014 at the earliest.
The development left some Southland bike enthusiasts a little disappointed.
"It's healthy for you, it's eco-friendly, and it gets you back out in the streets and you have an opportunity to meet and connect with more people and with nature," said one woman.
Last month, New York City rolled out its own bike sharing program last month Citibike - sponsored by Citibank - that saw residents and tourists take 100,000 rides within the first ten days of the program's launch.
