As a dedicated bike commuter and long-time enthusiast of Chicago’s Divvy Bike-share program, I’ve always appreciated the accessibility and convenience of those sturdy blue bikes. For years, Divvy bikes have been a reliable option for getting around the city – a true extension of personal bike ownership scattered across Chicago’s neighborhoods.
However, a cloud of uncertainty is forming over the future of Divvy bike, specifically the iconic classic models. These pedal-powered workhorses, once a hallmark of the program and free for members, are aging. Lyft, the operator of Divvy for the Chicago Department of Transportation, has confirmed they will not be replaced as they reach the end of their lifespan. Concurrently, the newer electric bikes (ebikes) have become significantly more expensive under a revised pricing structure implemented in May.
This shift has sparked concern among regular Divvy users and cycling advocates. “I’m wondering what the city’s endgame is,” questions Anne Alt, a Chicago bicyclist, highlighting a sentiment echoed by many. “If they were to phase out the blue bikes and the price structure is such that it’s mostly aimed at affluent people, then most of the city gets screwed.”
Joe Sislow, representing the Northwest Side on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council, shares this apprehension. He deems Divvy’s new pricing system and the declining classic bike fleet “absolutely not feasible.” Sislow fears “the demise of Divvy as an alternative for commuting,” adding that the current prices “seem to be kneecapping the system.”
Launched in 2013, the Divvy program initially offered a singular bike type: the recognizable blue pedal bike, mirroring the color of the Chicago flag. Membership benefits included free rides up to forty-five minutes on these classic bikes.
These classic Divvy bikes, while not built for speed, possess a robust reliability. They are the Clydesdales of urban cycling – strong and dependable, if a bit heavy and slow. A lengthy commute on a classic Divvy bike, particularly on a warm day, can certainly be a workout.
Yet, their resilience and versatility are undeniable. I rely on them to complement both public transit and my personal bicycle. In the Loop, they serve as a practical alternative to taxis or ride-sharing services. They bridge the gap to and from train stations. On days with pleasant mornings but threatening afternoon storms, a Divvy bike becomes the ideal choice for the ride to work, knowing the train will provide a dry return journey. My longer Northwest Side commute, exceeding the forty-five-minute free ride limit, is managed by strategically swapping bikes mid-route, much like a Pony Express rider changing horses.
The Introduction of Ebikes and Shifting Costs
In the summer of 2020, Divvy expanded its fleet with the introduction of thousands of black and gray electric bikes, or ebikes. Electric scooters followed in the spring of this year, further diversifying the Divvy options.
Initially, ebikes seemed like a positive addition. They offer an enjoyable boost, particularly welcome when facing Chicago’s notorious winds. Reaching speeds of up to 20 mph, riding an ebike feels akin to gliding on a Vespa – effortlessly and quietly. Ebikes are especially beneficial for cyclists in less densely populated areas of the city, such as the far Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast Sides, where distances between destinations and bike docks can be significant. They also present a valuable option for individuals with mobility limitations who might find traditional Divvy bikes challenging. Furthermore, ebikes can be locked to standard bike racks and poles, increasing their flexibility and distribution across the city beyond designated stations. Their popularity is evident, contributing to Divvy achieving a record ridership year.
However, the advantage of ebikes has been tempered by a significant price increase. A pricing system change in May eliminated the waiver on extra fees for ebike usage that previously existed west of Western Avenue.
Now, Divvy members, who already pay an annual membership fee of $119 (increased from $108), face a per-minute charge of sixteen cents for ebike rides throughout the city. This marks a significant increase from the previous zero cents in the waiver zone and fifteen cents in the non-waiver zone. An additional dollar fee is applied for not docking the ebike at a designated station. For non-members, the cost is even steeper at thirty-nine cents per minute, up from twenty cents, plus unlocking and non-docking fees.
These charges accumulate rapidly, especially in areas outside the city’s core where docks and classic blue bikes are less frequent. Joe Sislow recounts a recent round trip between Portage Park and the Loop on an ebike costing him $13.95 – more than double the price of a Metra ride and nearly triple the cost of using the CTA, despite choosing the bike for the fresh air and exercise.
Concerns over Classic Bike Maintenance and Availability
Adding to the pricing concerns is the reported decline in the condition of the classic blue Divvy bikes. Frequent riders, including myself, are noticing increasing instances of disrepair, describing them as “janky.” Common issues include gear problems, torn or slashed seats, low tire pressure, missing lights, and other malfunctions. While the “wrench” button on the dock provides a mechanism to report these issues to Divvy, the increasing frequency is worrying. On one occasion, I encountered a station devoid of any functional blue bikes, forcing me to opt for a more expensive ebike ride. While Divvy provided a credit upon complaint, it raised a fundamental question: is Divvy neglecting the maintenance of its classic bikes?
Tamara Conway, Lyft General Manager for Divvy, addressed these concerns in an emailed statement, assuring that “Classic pedal bikes are an important part of the Divvy system, and CDOT and Lyft continue to keep them in top shape and available for riders to enjoy. Classic bikes are joined by next-generation Divvy ebikes and Divvy scooters, all of which provide travel choices for riders and encourage more people to step out of their cars and onto Divvy.” The statement further highlighted increased mechanic staffing and regular maintenance for the classic bikes, emphasizing their durability and lifespan exceeding ten years.
However, a subsequent statement from Lyft casts doubt on the long-term commitment to classic Divvy bikes: “We have no plan to remove classic pedal bikes, however we continue to grow our fleet with ebikes. If a classic bike is damaged beyond repair, it will not be replaced with another classic bike,” the Lyft statement clarifies. Sources familiar with the program confirm there are no plans to replenish the classic blue bike fleet with new, non-electric models.
Divvy’s Future and Equitable Access
The trajectory of Divvy appears to be firmly electric, a shift that could become prohibitively expensive for many users, excluding those who are either affluent or tourists less sensitive to cost. Even the “Divvy for Everyone” program, designed for low-income users, has seen ebike pricing increase from zero to five cents per minute, albeit with a $10 credit offered to participants.
In response to user feedback, Lyft announced a $5-a-month credit for casual and standard members who frequently rode within the former waiver zone, aiming to ease the transition to the new pricing structure.
Despite these measures, the new pricing model has generated significant discontent among Divvy users and bike advocates on platforms like Twitter, with many questioning the continued value of their memberships.
Jacob Peters, a former MBAC representative for the North Side, is among those considering canceling his membership. He believes that the disappearance of blue bikes, without a low-cost, pedal-powered alternative, undermines the original vision of Divvy as an equitable program. “If it’s only ebikes, they’re going to lose their most consistent riders,” Peters warns. He fears Divvy could evolve into an elitist system, dominated by scooters and ebikes, catering primarily to wealthier and tech-savvy demographics while neglecting the broader community. “It would be a loss,” Peters concludes, emphasizing the potential negative impact on accessible transportation in Chicago.
There is a strong hope that Lyft and the city will recognize these concerns and find a way to invest in new, pedal-powered bikes, ensuring the future of an accessible and equitable Divvy program. In the interim, many loyal users, myself included, will continue to rely on the existing classic Divvy bikes, while cautiously avoiding the increasingly costly ebikes.
Perhaps it’s time to appreciate the classic blue Divvy bikes more deeply. These “homely old clunkers,” as they might be affectionately termed, have been a reliable and affordable transportation option for years. Even when battling a headwind on their sturdy frames, their value to the city’s transportation landscape is undeniable. The hope remains that they won’t disappear from Chicago’s streets entirely.
