San Diego Picks a Partner for the New Citywide Bike-Sharing Program

Today we joined in congratulating outgoing Mayor Jerry Sanders’ announcement of the selection of DECOBIKE, LLC to run San Diego’s new public bike-sharing and rental program.

Sanders with Councilmembers Gloria and Faulconer

SDCBC had a seat on Mayor Sanders' review panel assisting in the selection of DECOBIKE and we appreciate him moving ahead to develop this public-private partnership.  SDCBC looks forward working with DECOBIKE to make this the best bike sharing program in the country.

We also participated in San Diego’s recent steps to build the nation’s largest bike-friendly business improvement district program which is already showing a positive impact on neighborhood commercial districts. The mayor’s announcement of the citywide program further highlights the importance and impact of bicycling on the local economy.

Beyond helping business improvement districts, economic impacts of bike-sharing include additional jobs, and saving on transportation. Public bike-sharing in other U.S. cities have been shown to create 30-50 jobs for each program. For instance, DECOBIKE also runs a successful program in Miami, Florida, which has just under 30 employees. Additionally, members of bike-share programs in other parts of the country are saving hundreds of dollars per year in transportation costs, putting those savings back into the local economy.

SDCBC's Andy Hanshaw speaks with  CW 6

Whether it’s tourists, students, Padres fans or grocery shoppers, we know that bike-sharing works to improve the local economy and expand our transportation system. Bikes are boosting business in San Diego  and bike-sharing is another important piece of the pie.

Although Sanders made the announcement today, it is Mayor-elect Bob Filner, who’s coming into office in just over two-weeks, that will take over the handlebars.

We’re looking forward to seeing him hit the ground pedaling with San Diego’s first public bike-sharing program.  SDCBC will continue working to ensure our transportation infrastructure keeps up with these new transportation options, and we look forward to Filner continuing the bike sharing progress started by the current administration.