Bike share program rolls into River North

(Left) A Divvy bike share station on the north side of 330 North Wabash. Click on image to view larger version. 8-Jul-13 – A citywide program that allows Chicagoans to rent bicycles for the day has set up three solar-powered stations in River North, with six more coming soon.

The “Divvy” bike share system launched on June 28. During its first weekend, the city says 4,123 bike trips were taken and more than 1,700 people have signed up for annual memberships.

Bike stations have been installed in River North at State & Kinzie Streets, Wells & Huron Streets, and Kingsbury & Erie Streets. On the north side of the Loop, stations are planned for State Street & Wacker Drive and Franklin & Lake Streets.

There are currently 75 stations around the city but by the end of August, there should be 300 stations, offering 3,000 bikes total. 400 stations are expected by next spring.

Each station has a touch-screen kiosk, station map, and a docking system that releases a “Chicago blue” bike to a member with a key or ride code. The bikes are available for $7 for a 24-hour pass or $75 for an annual membership.

“Divvy will change the way we move around Chicago,” said Chicago Department of Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein in a recent news release. “Divvy gives Chicagoans and visitors access to a bike when they want one, without having to worry about storage or maintenance. It also leverages Chicago’s public transit system to help commuters complete the first or last few miles of their trip.”

(Above) Divvy bike stations in River North. Blue dots represent existing stations and orange dots represent planned stations.

Alta Bicycle Share is managing the program. The company is based in Portland and has offices in Chicago, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Ohio, Tennessee, and Australia.

 Website: Divvy Bikes