San Francisco Weighs the Future of its Bike Share System

The city is weighing three potential ownership models after the contract with Lyft ends in 2027.

2 minute read

March 6, 2022, 11:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A group of cyclists rides on a green painted bike line on the Embarcadero in Sa Francisco.

AsiaTravel / Shutterstock

A report commissioned by San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston outlines three courses of action San Francisco can take when the city's contract with Lyft, who currently owns and operates the Bay Wheels bike share system, expires in 2027. The city could maintain the privately owned and operated model, shift to a hybrid, publicly owned and privately operated system, or buy out the system entirely. As Gloria Rodríguez reports, Preston argues that taking over the system would give the city more regulatory control over pricing, increase transparency and access to data, and allow the city to ensure bike share remains affordable and equitable.

In the article, Preston envisions the bike share system as part of the city's public transit network. "So the city runs buses, and I would love to see it where we also are in complete control of a bike share program and have a robust program and make the kind of infrastructure changes we need to make all over the city to the streets, bike lanes, dedicated spaces for bikes and really encourage a growth in transportation by bike."

According to the article, if San Francisco decides to buy the system, "The city would need to pay about $33.2 million for the 4,500 bikes and nearly 8,800 station docks. In addition, annual operating costs range from $13.3 million to $18.2 million, according to the report."

Wednesday, March 2, 2022 in ABC7

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Small rural USPS post office in manufactured one-story grey building with American flag in front.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

February 12, 2025 - Cowboy State Daily

Chicago

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

April 8 - 2TheAdvocate.com

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog

Military humvee driving through gate at Fort Indiantown Gap Natl Guard training center in Pennsylvania surrounded by winter trees and dead leaves.

Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species

The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.

February 24 - Esri Blog