The popular NYC bike share system will likely survive the company’s current financial setbacks, but other, smaller bike share systems may not be so lucky.

What does trouble at the company operating four of the top five bike share systems in the United States mean for shared bike systems and, more specifically, for New York City’s Citi Bike? Alissa Walker asks this question in Curbed, assessing how Lyft’s recent financial woes could impact U.S. bike share systems operated by the ride-hailing giant.
Walker describes the company’s history with bike share, starting with its acquisition of Motivate in 2018. “Lyft originally positioned its foray into bike share as part of building the ultimate multimodal-transportation app, bundling its ride-hailing services with bike or e-scooter rental or the ability to buy transit tickets.”
Now, with its financial future in peril, Lyft has killed some of its bike share systems altogether and increased prices in others. According to Walker, cities are once again looking at forming their own municipally owned bike share systems—a more common feature pre-Bird and Lyft—to limit the volatility and maintain service.
Walker predicts that “Even if Lyft starts making bike-share cuts in the name of cost savings, it’s unlikely New York City will see the same fate as Minneapolis,” where Lyft abruptly ended service last month. “Citi Bike — which has seen a 33 percent year-over-year increase in ridership so far in 2023 — also has the model that’s preferred by Lyft: an exclusive, multiyear, public-private partnership that Lyft says justifies infrastructural improvements and service expansions.” But the future may not be as bright for smaller cities who can’t afford the same level of commitment and funding.
FULL STORY: What Does the Potential Demise of Lyft Mean for Citi Bike?

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service