Transportation Meeting Notes: September 13, 2018
Next, we welcomed Mike Pletsch, the new Executive Director of Denver Bike Sharing — the nonprofit that operates B-Cycle in Denver. There are no shareholders and no investors, so everything they raise goes into providing service for the community.
Inviting Mike was very timely in two regards. Not only had he just been named to take over as Executive Director with the planned departure of Nick Bohnenkamp, but he also had big news to share from the City’s budget process. In 2019, Denver will be doubling their support of Denver B-Cycle to $800k, supporting the call for closer partnership made in the Denver Mobility Action Plan. As part of this investment, Denver B-Cycle will be exploring free & reduced-price rides for Denver residents, and is working with Denver Housing Authority to find sites to expand to in and around Sun Valley with new stations expected this year.
Mike emphasized that Denver Bike Sharing is free to explore technology options, and different partnerships with B-Cycle and with other vendors and technologies, in order make the most of the advantages of dockless and electric bike options, while still maintaining the social goals core to the nonprofit’s mission. In addition to dockless scenarios we have seen presented at earlier meetings, Mike says they’ll also be talking with RTD to see if a shared smart card could be possible.
Thanks for the great notes!