For years, the sight of the blue Divvy bikes has been synonymous with navigating Chicago. As a dedicated bike commuter and an advocate for Chicago’s bike-share program, Divvy, I’ve always appreciated the robust, reliable, and pedal-powered classic blue bikes. They’ve served as an invaluable resource for getting around the city, essentially offering a network of readily available bikes across Chicago.
A classic blue Divvy bike, the mainstay of Chicago’s bike-sharing program, pictured in an urban setting.
However, a shadow of uncertainty looms over the future of Divvy Bike Chicago. The iconic classic blue bikes, a free perk for Divvy members, are aging, and according to Lyft, the company operating Divvy for the Chicago Department of Transportation, they will not be replaced as they reach the end of their lifespan. Simultaneously, the newer, more technologically advanced ebikes have become significantly more expensive under a revised pricing structure implemented in May.
This shift has sparked concern among Chicago cyclists and urban mobility advocates. Anne Alt, a Chicago bicyclist, voices a common worry: “I’m wondering what the city’s endgame is. 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, the Northwest Side representative for the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council, echoes this sentiment, stating that Divvy’s new pricing system coupled with the phasing out of blue bikes is “absolutely not feasible.” He expresses concern that these changes “seem like the demise of Divvy as an alternative for commuting,” and describes the new prices as “kneecapping the system.”
The Evolution of Divvy Bike Chicago: From Classic Blues to Ebikes
Launched in 2013, the Divvy program initially featured a single type of bike – the distinctive blue pedal-powered model, mirroring the color of the Chicago flag. Membership benefits included free rides up to forty-five minutes on these bikes, making Divvy bike Chicago a practical and affordable transportation option.
These original Divvy bikes, while not designed for speed or agility, are celebrated for their robustness and utility. They serve as an excellent complement to public transit and personal bikes. For many, including myself, they are ideal for navigating the Loop, offering a greener alternative to taxis or ride-sharing services. Whether it’s commuting to and from train stations or providing a reliable ride when weather conditions are unpredictable, Divvy bikes have become an integral part of the Chicago transportation landscape. For longer commutes exceeding the free forty-five-minute limit, resourceful users often switch bikes mid-journey, maximizing the system’s benefits.
Diverse Divvy bike models in Chicago, highlighting both the traditional blue bikes and the modern black ebikes.
The Divvy landscape began to change in the summer of 2020 with the introduction of thousands of black and gray electric bikes, or ebikes. This expansion continued with the addition of electric scooters in the spring of the following year.
Ebikes initially seemed like a positive addition to Divvy bike Chicago. They offer a significant boost, particularly helpful when riding against the wind, and can reach speeds up to 20 mph, making for a faster and less strenuous ride. Ebikes are also beneficial in less densely populated areas of Chicago, providing efficient transportation across longer distances between destinations and bike docks. Furthermore, they offer accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges who may find traditional Divvy bikes difficult to use. The flexibility to lock ebikes to racks and poles, rather than requiring a designated bike station, also enhances their usability and distribution throughout the city. The popularity of ebikes contributed to Divvy achieving a record ridership year.
Rising Ebike Costs and Concerns over Equity
However, the introduction of ebikes has been accompanied by a significant price increase, altering the accessibility of Divvy bike Chicago. A pricing system change in May eliminated the previous fee waiver for ebike usage in areas west of Western Avenue.
Now, Divvy members, who already pay an annual membership fee, face a per-minute charge for ebike use across the entire city. This fee, in addition to potential non-docking fees, makes ebikes a considerably more expensive option. For non-members, the per-minute cost is even higher.
This pricing structure rapidly escalates costs, especially in areas outside the city center where bike docks and classic blue bikes may be less readily available. Joe Sislow recounts a recent round trip on an ebike costing him significantly more than comparable trips on Metra or the CTA, highlighting the diminished affordability of Divvy bike Chicago for regular commuters.
Adding to the financial concerns is the reported decline in the condition of the classic blue Divvy bikes. Users frequently report encountering bikes with mechanical issues, damaged seats, low tire pressure, and malfunctioning lights. While Divvy provides a reporting mechanism for bike maintenance, the increasing prevalence of these issues raises questions about the program’s commitment to maintaining its classic fleet. Personal experiences of encountering stations with no functional blue bikes, forcing users to opt for costly ebikes, further fuel these concerns.
Divvy’s Stance and the Uncertain Path Forward
In response to inquiries about the future of classic bikes, Lyft General Manager for Divvy, Tamara Conway, 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.” The statement also highlighted increased mechanic staffing and regular maintenance efforts, emphasizing the durability of the classic bikes.
However, the statement also included a crucial 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.” This confirms that the long-term vision for Divvy bike Chicago leans heavily towards electric bikes, with no plans to replenish the classic blue fleet.
This electric-centric future raises concerns about equitable access to Divvy bike Chicago. The increased cost of ebikes potentially transforms Divvy into a service primarily catering to affluent users and tourists, while potentially marginalizing its role as an affordable transportation option for everyday Chicagoans. Even the “Divvy for Everyone” program for low-income users has seen ebike prices increase, albeit with a small credit offered.
While Lyft has introduced a temporary monthly credit for riders in the former waiver zone to ease the pricing transition, discontent among Divvy users and bike advocates is growing. Some are questioning the value of their memberships under the new pricing structure and the anticipated phasing out of classic bikes.
Jacob Peters, a former representative for the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council, expresses concern that if classic blue bikes disappear without a low-cost, pedal-powered alternative, Divvy will deviate from its original vision of an equitable bike-share program. He fears Divvy bike Chicago could become an elitist system, dominated by scooters and ebikes, neglecting a significant segment of the city’s population.
The hope remains that Lyft and the city will find a sustainable solution to fund and maintain a fleet of affordable, pedal-powered bikes within the Divvy bike Chicago system. Until then, many users may find themselves cherishing the remaining classic blue bikes, recognizing their value as a practical and accessible mode of transportation in the city. The future of affordable and equitable bike sharing in Chicago hangs in the balance.
