This week, a staff report will be given to the Victoria city council, with the recommendation that the City open itself to a request for proposal process, and bring bike sharing back to the city.
Recently, the City of Langford launched its own bike share program and many major cities across Canada also have similar systems with shareable bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Upon hearing from City staff during this Thursday’s committee of the whole meeting, Victoria will have the opportunity to begin taking the necessary steps to bring a bike share program to Victoria by spring 2026.
However, this isn’t the first time Victoria has endeavoured to have a bike share system in place in the city.
From 2017 to 2018, U-Bicycle operated a “dockless” bike share system in the region, but the city’s report found that this was done recklessly and without the proper framework.
“The lack of fleet management practices and user requirements resulted in accessibility concerns for pedestrians and operational maintenance challenges for City crews,” reads the motion that will come before council this week.
“The lack of regulations and requirements combined with unsophisticated technology led to a high degree of theft and vandalism. These lessons learned have contributed directly to this report’s recommendations.”
Despite the fact that a bike share in Victoria has been tried, and failed, City staff say that the advancements in technology over the past seven years addresses the issues the City had previously with U-Bicycle.
Upon considering this report and motion to move forward with a bike share system, city council will have to contemplate whether a public or private system should be implemented, and what types of active transportation devices should be utilized, such as e-bikes, e-scooters or regular bicycles.
“With more than 40km of All Ages and Abilities cycling routes, increasing density, and the growing popularity of e-bikes, Victoria is now ready for a regulated bike share service,” concluded the motion.
“While there are many different models for shared micromobility services, a privately owned and operated bike share system using mandatory parking zones and e-bikes is the best option for Victoria at this time.”
They noted that this model would allow for municipal oversight with rules and operating regulations.
The matter will be discussed this Thursday, July 3rd, at the weekly committee of the whole meeting.
