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Kriseman's bike share plan draws criticism

 
Published Feb. 4, 2016

ST. PETERSBURG — Mayor Rick Kriseman last week halved his request to bring a bike share program to St. Petersburg.

But $500,000 was still too much for the City Council, which greeted the mayor's latest attempt with a distinct chill, chiding his staff for not providing information before the meeting and questioning the viability of the city owning 300 bikes for tourists, daytrippers and last-mile commuters to ply the city's streets for a rental fee.

Back in October, Kriseman unveiled a wish list of how to spend $6.5 million from BP from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. Prominent was $1 million for a bike share program. Council members resisted, saying the city's sewer system needed funds for pipe repair.

Last week, Kriseman tried again. His transportation officials and top economic development staffer Alan DeLisle laid out the case for a program run by CycleHop, the same company that runs Tampa's program. A bike share would lure millennials, quality jobs and lower carbon emissions, they argued.

But council members remained unconvinced.

What happens if CycleHop walks away after the three-year contract? asked Jim Kennedy. What vendor would want to inherit a bunch of beat-up bikes?

Why aren't more routes heading south to Midtown? asked Lisa Wheeler-Brown.

After a protracted debate, the council agreed to meet again next month.