Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren wants a public bikeshare system for Rochester, starting with downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods, then eventually going city-wide.
The city has issued a request for proposals for a privately owned and operated system that wouldn’t need taxpayer support.
Bikeshare programs make a number of bikes available at stations on city streets or public locations. Members can take one, ride where they need to go, and either bring it back or leave it at another station. The RFP calls for the downtown phase to begin in 2017.
The mayor’s plan says membership fees, advertising and sponsorship would cover the costs. She says Rochester is one of the most bike-friendly mid-sized cities in the nation, so the plan should work as an arm of public transportation.