Houston Bike Share BCycle program will close June 30 because it can’t support itself through fees and sponsorships, city says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Apparent financial problems have caused a popular bike-share system in Houston to close its doors.

The video above is from a previous report: City prevents closure of Houston BCycle bike share program by approving $540,000 from general fund.

The Houston Bike Share program, BCycle, announced that it will cease operation on June 30, just over two weeks from now.

That will conclude the city’s contract with the bike-share system, which officials say has been “unable to support itself through fees and sponsorships alone.”

The program began in 2012 and has grown in popularity over time with assistance from the City of Houston, funding from a federal Transportation Improvement Program grant, and support from other public and private partnerships . In 2020, BCycle recorded an increase of 50,000 journeys compared to the previous year.

“Despite the combined efforts of the Houston Bike Share board, partner agencies and advocates, the program was unable to overcome its financial challenges,” the city said in a statement, adding that $500,000 had been approved by board members shortly after the program had plans. close its doors in 2023. The money allowed it to operate for nine months while it looked for other funding opportunities.

The city said it would work on removing the stations and bikes over the coming months.

SEE PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

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