Chicago’s Divvy bike-share program has long been a beloved and practical transportation option for residents and visitors alike. As a dedicated bike commuter and Divvy enthusiast, I’ve always appreciated the accessibility and convenience of these sturdy blue bikes. They’ve been a fantastic resource for getting around the city, offering a readily available bike network at our fingertips.
However, recent shifts in Divvy’s operations have sparked concerns about the program’s future, particularly regarding the classic blue bikes and the rising costs associated with the newer e-bikes. The aging fleet of traditional Divvy bikes, once a hallmark of the program, is not being replaced as they reach the end of their lifespan, according to Lyft, the operator of Divvy for the Chicago Department of Transportation. Simultaneously, the introduction of a new pricing structure has made e-bikes significantly more expensive, raising questions about affordability and equitable access to the Divvy system.
“I’m wondering what the city’s endgame is,” comments Anne Alt, a fellow Chicago bicyclist, echoing the sentiments of many Divvy users. “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.” This sentiment is shared by Joe Sislow, the Northwest Side representative for the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council, who describes the new pricing system and the deteriorating condition of the blue bikes as “absolutely not feasible.” He fears “the demise of Divvy as an alternative for commuting,” stating that the new prices “seem to be kneecapping the system.”
A Look Back at Divvy’s Evolution
Launched in 2013, Divvy initially offered a single type of bicycle: the iconic blue pedal-powered bike, mirroring the color of the Chicago flag. Membership provided free rides for up to forty-five minutes on these bikes, establishing Divvy as an affordable and accessible transportation solution.
These classic Divvy bikes, while not designed for speed or agility, are appreciated for their robustness and versatility. They serve as excellent supplements to public transit and personal bicycles. Many Chicagoans, including myself, rely on them for navigating the Loop, commuting to and from train stations, and providing flexibility during unpredictable weather. For longer commutes exceeding the free ride duration, resourceful riders often employ strategies like bike switching, reminiscent of Pony Express couriers, to stay within the time limit.
The Electric Era: E-bikes and Evolving Costs
In the summer of 2020, Divvy expanded its fleet with the introduction of thousands of black and gray electric bikes, or e-bikes. Electric scooters followed shortly after, further diversifying the Divvy offerings.
E-bikes initially appeared to be a positive addition. They offer a fun and efficient riding experience, providing a boost against headwinds and enabling speeds up to 20 mph. E-bikes reduce physical exertion, making them appealing for longer distances and warmer weather. They also cater to cyclists in less densely populated areas of Chicago and individuals with mobility challenges. Furthermore, e-bikes offer parking flexibility, as they can be locked to any public bike rack, expanding accessibility throughout the city. The popularity of e-bikes contributed to Divvy achieving record ridership numbers in the past year.
However, the introduction of e-bikes came with a significant shift in pricing, implemented in May of this year. The waiver on extra fees for e-bike usage west of Western Avenue was eliminated. Divvy members, who now pay $119 annually (up from $108), face a per-minute charge of sixteen cents for e-bike usage throughout the city, a considerable increase from the previous zero-cent charge in the waiver zone and fifteen cents in the non-waiver zone. Non-members face even steeper costs, paying thirty-nine cents per minute, up from twenty cents, along with additional unlocking and non-docking fees.
These new charges add up rapidly, particularly in areas with fewer docking stations and classic bikes. Joe Sislow recounts a recent round trip between Portage Park and the Loop on an e-bike costing him $13.95 – significantly more than comparable trips on Metra or the CTA. This price increase raises concerns about the affordability of e-bikes for everyday commuters and challenges Divvy’s role as a cost-effective transportation alternative.
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. Regular Divvy users, including myself, have observed an increasing number of bikes in disrepair, often described as “janky.” Common issues include gear problems, damaged seats, low tire pressure, and malfunctioning lights. While riders can report these issues via the “wrench” button at docking stations, the frequency of encountering unusable classic bikes is rising. On one occasion, I was forced to opt for a costly e-bike ride due to the unavailability of functional blue bikes at my local station, highlighting the growing frustration among Divvy users.
In response to inquiries about the maintenance of classic bikes, Tamara Conway, Lyft General Manager for Divvy, stated 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.” Lyft’s statement also emphasized increased mechanic staffing and regular maintenance for the classic bikes, claiming a lifespan of over ten years for these robust machines.
However, a subsequent statement from Lyft revealed a concerning detail: “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.” Sources familiar with the program confirmed that there are no plans to replenish the classic bike fleet with new, non-electric models.
An Electric-Only Future? Equity and Accessibility at Stake
The trajectory of Divvy appears to be leaning towards an electric-dominated future. This shift raises concerns about equitable access to the bike-share program. The increased cost of e-bikes, even with the “Divvy for Everyone” program for low-income users offering a reduced per-minute rate and a monthly credit, may create a barrier for many Chicagoans.
The new pricing structure has already generated discontent among Divvy users and bike advocates, with some questioning the value of their memberships. Jacob Peters, a former representative for the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council, has considered canceling his membership. He fears that the disappearance of blue bikes without a low-cost, pedal-powered alternative would undermine Divvy’s initial vision of an equitable program. Peters warns that an e-bike and scooter-centric Divvy system risks becoming an elitist service, primarily catering to affluent and tech-savvy individuals, while neglecting the needs of a broader range of users. He concludes that this shift “would be a loss” for Chicago.
Hoping for a Balanced Path Forward
As a dedicated user of Chicago Divvy Bikes, I hope that Lyft and the city will find a sustainable solution to fund the replacement of pedal-powered bikes. Maintaining a balance between classic bikes and e-bikes is crucial for ensuring Divvy remains an accessible, affordable, and equitable transportation option for all Chicagoans.
In the meantime, I will continue to utilize the classic Divvy bikes and carefully consider e-bike usage due to the increased costs. There’s a growing sense of nostalgia and appreciation for the reliable, albeit sometimes cumbersome, blue bikes. While I may have occasionally cursed their weight when battling headwinds, the prospect of their potential disappearance evokes a sense of loss. Let’s hope these “homely old clunkers” remain a vital part of the Chicago transportation landscape for years to come.
