The Chicago injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. take note of the growing use of Divvy-Chicago’s first large scale bike sharing program. The program, which began in July of 2013 with just 750 bikes and 75 stations, has grown significantly over the past year, to its current status of 3000 bikes and 300 stations. Divvy, which represents the idea of “dividing and sharing” the use of bicycles, is a concept that appears to be catching on, as can be seen by increased presence of Divvy bikes throughout the city. As stated in an April 15, 2014 report by the Chicago Tribune:
“Following a brutal winter, Chicagoans have embraced the blue-colored bikes at the first signs of spring. Riders, for example, took more than 25,000 trips during the first week of April as temperatures rose above 40 degrees.”
According to a city estimate, the number of trips taken on Divvy bikes is approaching nearly a million since the program’s initiation nearly 10 months ago. The program’s success is good news for Chicagoans, many who were worried about whether the program would continue, following a report in January that the company had filed bankruptcy. Despite this, the bike share program appears to be thriving, and although it fell short of its original expansion goal of ‘4000 bicycles and 400 bikes by Spring of 2014,’ with the program’s continued success, Divvy may very well reach this goal in the near future.
Even more promising for the program’s continuation, is a May 1st Press Release, Mayor Emanuel, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Announce Partnership to Support Divvy Bike Share System. This sponsorship will provide the city with $12.5 million, over a period of five years, to support, improve, expand, and strengthen the bike share program, as well as offer other benefits to bicyclists in Chicago. As provided in the press release, the funding will also support the city’s plan to incorporate additional improvements, such as:
• Securing additional bike lane sweeping and snow removal equipment • Funding more bike lane materials like bollards, signage and striping • Employing more bike ambassadors to educate Chicagoans about bike safety • Developing and printing new bike route maps
For those unfamiliar with bike sharing, the program is actually much more affordable and accessible, than one may think. Riders simply join, by purchasing an annual membership ($75) or 24-hour pass ($7) from any Divvy station. Depending on whether you purchase a membership or pass, riders will be given a key or a code, from which they can retrieve a bicycle from any dock with an available bike. Once a rider is done, they just return the bike to any station. More information on bike sharing can be found at divvybikes.com, or by visiting the Chicago’s City Website.
The Attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. remain optimistic over the health benefits that bike sharing is expected to bring about in our city. As noted by the Mayor, the implementation of similar bike sharing programs in other cities, has led to a reduction in obesity rates amongst residents. In addition, there are many environmental benefits of bicycling, which can be further realized through the making the use of bicycles more accessible through bike sharing programs.
As Chicago continues to progress in making our communities more bike-friendly, our Bike Injury Lawyers remind cyclists that along with bicycling in our city, comes the risk of being involved in accident. Bicyclists are encouraged to ride safely and maintain awareness of their surroundings. If, however, you or a loved one were involved in a biking collision, and as a result suffered serious injury or fatality, it is important to know that you may be entitled to compensation. The attorneys of Zneimer & Zneimer, P.C. have decades of experience, and want to help you-contact us today at 773-516-4100.