Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Recreation and Parks to transfer the responsibility of the CoGo Bike Share contract to the Director of the Department of Public Service. This ordinance also authorizes the Director of the Department of Public Service to modify and amend the existing contract for the CoGo Bike Share system with Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC and to enter into Memorandums of Understanding (MOU’s) with other municipalities in order to accept funds from those entities to contribute to the operation of the CoGo Bike Share System. This transfer of responsibility will be effective April 1, 2023.
Since 2019, Motivate International, Inc., a division of Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC, has managed the CoGo Bike Share system. Motivate recently merged with and into its existing parent company, Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC. Ordinance 2311-2021 authorized the City to modify the existing Bike Share Agreement with Lyft Bike Share and Scooters, LLC to assist in the acquisition, installation, and management of a bike sharing service for the City. Furthermore, Ordinance 2311-2021 authorized the amended Agreement to be directly between the City of Columbus and Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC. This ordinance will authorize the Department of Public Service taking over responsibility for this amended Agreement for the City of Columbus.
Currently, the CoGo system has over 600 bikes and 88 stations throughout the city, averaging over 50,000 rides per year. The CoGo Bike Share system is popular with system members, tourists, residents, special event attendees, downtown employees, and students as it offers an alternative transit option in Columbus. The bike share system offers a unique low cost way to complete short trips without the use of a car. The health benefits of active transportation are well recognized as well. The system has also expanded into neighborhoods where access to a bike can offer an important transportation option.
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