Yellow Bike Project

Concept:

A summary of the idea, the needs it serves, and a description of a possible pilot program

Alternative transportation is attractive for many reasons, particularly the health and economic benefits of riding a bicycle. A membership based shared bicycle network would increase the flexibility and range of bicycle use.

A fleet of safe and maintained bicycles, identified by their uniform Yellow color, would be available at designated locations throughout the city. Members of the yellow bike project could obtain keys to access these bikes for time-limited use.

Membership charges would include an initial fee and a bike deposit and should be used to pay for upkeep and service costs.

Priorities:

These ideals are integral to a successful project design

• advocating and simplifying alternative transportation
• increasing bicycle awareness
• health and wellness

Concerns:

Possible difficulties, pitfalls, and obstacles to consider

• theft and vandalism
• insurance liability

Idea History:

Learn more about the idea, from genesis to dialogue

The Yellow Bike Program was championed by one Mike Virostek in room 345. Shared-bike programs have been in use world-wide for decades and were even discussed in Pittsburgh several years ago.

Related Links:

Get to know these groups, organizations, projects, and authorities, their current and past activities, the possibility for consultation or partnership, and in-roads to collaboration.

• Bike Pittsburgh
• Free Ride

General Questions:

These important questions are asked of each idea. Try your hand at answering them as a way to explore the idea and how to make it happen. Answers to these questions help to demonstrate the Idea's strength and potential for success.

1. What level is the idea at? (Research, Planning, Fundraising, Advocacy, Deployment, other (explain))
2. What is a reasonable next step/phase for the concept? How can investment move the idea forward?
3. What other resources or opportunities are available or necessary to make the idea happen?
4. What existing activities or organizations in Pittsburgh duplicate some or all of the program components? How can this idea compete with, complement, and/or learn from these other activities?
5. Who should be included in this discussion? Does the concept call for outside consultation or assistance from other organizations?
6. How should the idea be promoted?
7. How should project success be measured?
8. What questions should be asked of a proposal for this project?

Starter Questions:

These questions address some of the anticipated programmatic concerns that come with administering small projects. Consider them test questions for model projects-- responses should be incorporated into the project's design.

1. How many bikes would be available?
2. When would they be available? 24 hours? Year round?
3. Where will they be located?
4. Where would the bikes be stored during off-season?
5. How would membership be solicited and what would it cost?
6. How would the bikes be maintained?
7. What are the insurance/legal concerns?
8. Will safety equipment (helmets, lights, etc) be provided?