Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department 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 entities in order to accept funds from those entities to contribute to the operation of the CoGo Bike Share System.
Since 2019, Motivate International, Inc., a division of Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC, has managed the CoGo Bike Share system. Motivate has recently merged with and into its existing parent company, Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC. This ordinance will allow 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. The amended Agreement will be directly between the City of Columbus and Lyft Bikes and Scooters, LLC.
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 is also expanding into neighborhoods where access to a bike can offer an important transportation option. Lyft will provide the City of Columbus with 5,000 annual memberships per year as part of this Amended Agreement.
It has been determined that it is necessary to assist in the funding of further improvements and management of the bike sharing program. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the system has experienced a negative economic impact to its business operations. Other entities, such as the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) and the Mid-Ohio Reg...
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