Bob Buckhorn is a man of his word — certainly when it comes to bike sharing.
Earlier this year, the Tampa mayor consulted with local entrepreneurs who are extremely interested in creating a bike sharing program, which aims to mirror similar efforts that in recent years, spread nationally and internationally. Such programs allow city denizens to use bikes at a low-cost and for short periods of time. The bikes are also conveniently placed at closely spaced rental stations.
"Biking is a great way to get around — it's easy, fun and good for the environment. It's also quickly becoming an integral part of how people commute around our urban core," Buckhorn said in a press release. "A bike share system would provide an affordable, healthy option for residents and visitors traveling around downtown and the surrounding neighborhoods."
According to the city's press release, the goal is to have 30 stations with 300 bikes throughout Tampa's downtown core, Ybor City and surrounding neighborhoods by fall 2013. Expansion phases will continue to Westshore and the University of South Florida area by fall 2015.
Back in May, CL profiled individuals with the group GO!BYKE, who formulated a bike sharing plan — though unlike other programs around the country, their intention is to have it privately financed (as is the case in New York City with CitiBank).
