The first 14 ArborBike station locations have been chosen, and according to the
Clean Energy Coalition, June is the target date for getting the bike share program on the road.
"The stations we have selected were chosen based on data and practicality," says Kevin Mulder of the Clean Energy Coalition. "We’re very excited to have had [The University of Michigan's] support from the beginning of this project, and we believe the integration of downtown and campus station locations is crucial to offering a comprehensive service area to residents, employees, students, and visitors
To chose the 14 locations, ArborBike organized analyzed housing density, job density, student populations, existing bike infrastructure and destination spot. After narrowing down these locations, they searched for available space where the bike station equipment would fit. Solar and wireless access were also taken into consideration. The finalist list of stations will service downtown, Central Campus and North Campus.
"The main feedback we've received about the station locations is a request for additional stations outside of the first 14 proposed sites," Mulder says. "People are asking about Park & Ride lots, the west side, and the Washtenaw corridor toward Ypsilanti."
Requests for additional stations is not a bad way to launch the program, and Mulder says expansion is a part of the program's long term plan. As other bike share programs have found value in keeping stations in somewhat close proximity, the Clean Energy Coalition feels confident the public will have a positive experience with the program.
An ArborBike sponsorship campaign was recently launched for continued support of the project. More information about sponsorships can be found on the new
Arborbike website.
Source: Kevin Mulder, Clean Energy Coalitin
Writer: Natalie Burg
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