Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Lyft have initiated the installation of new Divvy bikeshare stations in Chicago, marking the beginning of an extensive expansion. The first station was opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by 31st Ward Alderman Felix Cardona Jr. and Belmont Cragin community leaders. This expansion is set to bring hundreds of new stations to the city over the next few years, enhancing bikeshare access across all 50 wards, particularly in underserved areas like the Northwest, Southwest, and Far South Sides.

Acting CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney stated, "The addition of new stations and bikes will ensure that Divvy not only serves the entire City but gives residents more equitable access to both classic bikes and ebikes." The expansion aims to add nearly 3,000 classic bikes to Divvy's fleet, balancing the availability of ebikes and pedal bikes.

Lyft's Senior Policy Manager for Transit, Bikes, and Scooters, Cara Bader commented on Divvy's presence in Belmont Cragin: "Since Divvy came to Belmont Cragin two years ago, we’ve seen strong community support and steady ridership growth." By 2025, over 250 new stations will be added to increase station density in existing areas and expand into communities without current docking stations.

Divvy holds the title as North America's largest bikeshare system by geographic area. In 2022 alone, it recorded over 5.6 million bike trips—a record-breaking number exceeding previous years—and reached a milestone of 40 million total lifetime trips in July 2023. Additionally, its reduced fare membership program has quadrupled since 2021.

Alderman Felix Cardona Jr. expressed gratitude for this initiative: "Bike riding and bike sharing is more than an activity; it is a necessary mode of transportation as residents commute to and from their place of employment." He noted that his ward now benefits from improved safety due to infrastructure development with more than 17 miles of bikeways constructed since 2021.

Jeremy Cuebas from Northwest Center highlighted the practical necessity of cycling for many community members: “Our community rides for pleasure but most of the rides are essential – the grocery store, school, church.” With additional classic stations coming soon, affordability becomes a key benefit for local residents.

This development aligns with Chicago’s broader strategy outlined in its recent Cycling Strategy document released by CDOT. This approach focuses on creating a safer biking environment through collaborations with local stakeholders such as Northwest Center which contributed positively towards growing trends like increased usage within Belmont Cragin according to a report by Shared-Use Mobility Center.