Seattle Bike Rental Program Shuts Down, But Portland Optimistic

By Roxy De La Torre (OPB)
Jan. 19, 2017 1:15 a.m.

Seattle has pulled the plug on its bike rental program known as “Pronto." City leaders said they are shifting funds to bicycle and pedestrian improvements.

Related: BIKETOWN Sees More Than 3,000 Users In First Days, Plus Vandalism

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But in Portland, officials said a similar bike program is off to a good start.

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After two years of operation, Seattle’s bike program didn’t have enough riders. The city may switch to renting electric bikes that would be easier to use on Seattle’s hills.

Portland’s bike program is only 5 months old and could face similar problems as Seattle, but city officials project Biketown will be self-sustaining.

John Brady with the Portland Bureau of Transportation said Biketown is already contributing to the local economy

“Over two-thirds of Biketown users said that they will be more likely to go to a business when it is near to a Biketown station,” Brady said.

When surveyed, tourists using the Portland system said bicycling opportunities were a factor in their decision to visit the city, according to Brady.

Seattle’s “Pronto” service will end March 31.

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