B-cycle signs up for another five years

Despite the potential threat of dockless bikes and scooters, Austin B-cycle is here to stay, at least on paper. Last the week, the board of directors behind the nonprofit operator of the city’s station-based bike-sharing system voted unanimously to approve a five-year renewal of its contract with the Austin Transportation Department. The deal will keep the ubiquitous red bikes rolling on streets and bike lanes through 2023. Austin B-cycle Executive Director Elliott McFadden hailed the revised agreement. “I think we got a pretty strong assurance from ATD and some members of City Council that the city is committed to B-cycle as a system,” he told the Austin Monitor. ATD’s Active Transportation Program Manager Laura Dierenfield said the city will help Austin B-cycle expand both its programs and its station footprint in the coming years.