On Thursday, January 23rd, 2014, the Metro Board of Directors will be considering a formal motion regarding the development of a Metro-led, Regional Bicycle Share program for Los Angeles County. 

While a growing number of cities around the world, including Washington D.C., Boston, New York, San Francisco, San Antonio, Minneapolis and Denver, in the US, have successfully launched Bicycle Share programs over the past few years, only one community in Southern California, the City of Anaheim, has a program, which must be noted was a pilot with few bicycles and docking stations - and limited practicality.  

However, several major LA County Cities are interested in moving forward with Bicycle Share, and several have been actively studying and/or working on bringing the first true programs to the region. The City of Los Angeles appeared to be the front runner for the past several years, after penning an exclusive deal with Bike Nation. The Cities of Long Beach, Santa Monica and Pasadena have also expressed strong interest, thanks in part to local support for such efforts. 

Bicycle Share in the SGV?

Many communities in the San Gabriel Valley are actively engaging residents, schools, stakeholders, advocates, technical professionals, city staff and elected leaders in efforts to achieve healthier, safer and more sustainable communities. The development of a regional Bicycle Share program, especially in conjunction with the expansion of the Metro Gold Line into the SGV, would dovetail with these efforts and help reduce barriers to cycling for local residents. 

A Metro-led program should also help:

• Close the first/last mile gaps in our existing transportation network
• Develop a more robust, multi-modal transportation system
• Free up space currently occupied by bicycles on Metro trains and buses
• Reduce short-distance vehicle trips
• Minimize the cost of owning/maintaining a bicycle for County residents
• Improve air quality
• Attract young professionals and boost local economic development
• Create new opportunities for physical activity and recreation
• Improve the health and well-being of County residents

Potential for a Truly Regional Bicycle Share Program

No agency is better suited that LA Metro to develop Bicycle Share program in Los Angeles County. Not only does the agency stand to benefit the most by increasing the reach and efficiency of its transportation network, it has the resources to ensure that a Bicycle Share program in Los Angeles County is a success. BikeSGV strongly feels that Metro should play a strong role in developing and supporting the program by:

• Sharing system Costs- and Revenue with local Cities to encourage participation and reduce hurdles for smaller municipalities. In order to allow smaller communities to participate in the program, Metro should invest in the development of the program as outlined in the Motion to be considered Thursday  (e.g., at least 50% of total capital costs per city; a percentage of ongoing Operation and Management costs).
• Coordinating a regional approach among Cities to ensure systems in different cities (e.g., Santa Monica, Long Beach, Pasadena) and linked by Metro rail/bus lines are inter-operable. For example, Metro TAP cards could be integrated to allow users to seamlessly check out bicycles at Metro stations. 

Take action 

Public comment via email, phone and/or in person at the Board Meeting is needed to move this potentially transformative project forward!!!

‍Meeting Info:

What: Metro Board Meeting

Where: MTA Headquarter (large building east of Union Station)

One Gateway Plaza, 3rd Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952

When: Thursday, January 23rd, 9:30am

Template Email/Talking Points:

Subject: Support for Item 58: Regional Bicycle Share Program 

Dear Members of the Metro Board of Directors,

As an LA County and ______ resident who cares about the health and well-being of my community, I am taking the time to contact you today to urge your for a Regional Bicycle Share Program led and supported by LA Metro. 

If paired with increased investment in bicycle, pedestrian, and Metro Rail infrastructure, the development a connected, regional Bicycle Share program will accelerate LA County's shift to a more sustainable, vibrant metropolitan area for residents and visitors alike.

Metro has a tremendous opportunity to realize this vision by assuming a leadership role in this project. Please support this by directing Metro staff to:

• Share Costs- and revenue with partner Cities to encourage participation and reduce hurdles for smaller municipalities. Specifically, Metro should cover at least 50% of total capital costs per city and a percentage of ongoing Operation and Management costs.
• Provide regional coordination of the program to ensure systems in different cities (e.g., Santa Monica, Pasadena) and linked by Metro rail/bus lines are inter-operable. 

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Contact email:

jacksonm@metro.net  (board secretary)

mantonovich@lacbos.org

fasanaj@accessduarte.com

Mcano@lacbos.org

Jbrogin@lacbos.org

Echternachm@metro.net