Chicago City Wire

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has reported a record number of over 10 million trips taken on shared bikes and e-scooters in 2024. This marks a new annual high, reflecting an increasing demand for sustainable transportation options in the city. CDOT attributes this growth to investments in micromobility infrastructure and the expansion of the Divvy bikeshare system.

"Chicago’s record-breaking ridership on bikes and scooters highlights our collective commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more connected city," stated Mayor Brandon Johnson. He emphasized the city's dedication to providing safe and affordable transportation across all neighborhoods by expanding Divvy stations and creating more protected bike lanes.

CDOT Commissioner Tom Carney noted, “This milestone shows that more Chicagoans than ever are choosing bikes and scooters to get around.” He highlighted efforts to expand the bike network and grow the Divvy system to offer safer, efficient, and sustainable transportation options.

The rides include those on Divvy bikes and scooters as well as Lime and Spin scooters operating under business licenses in Chicago. The Divvy system, operated by Lyft, has seen record ridership for four consecutive years.

CDOT is currently adding 400 Divvy stations across various neighborhoods aiming for four stations per square mile. This expansion will ensure every resident is within close proximity to a station with access to classic Divvy bikes.

In 2024, CDOT focused on installing new stations near key transit points such as the Peterson/Ridge Metra Station, CTA Damen Green Line Station, and CTA Orange Line’s Midway Airport Station. This aims to enhance multi-modal transport connections for residents.

Efforts are also underway to electrify 110 Divvy stations; so far, 17 have been installed with more planned for 2025. Electrification is expected to reduce fleet maintenance needs significantly by minimizing manual battery swaps while increasing e-bike availability by at least 15 percent.

Participation in the "Divvy for Everyone" program has quadrupled since 2020. The program offers $5 annual memberships with reduced fees for e-devices.

Caroline Samponaro from Lyft Urban Solutions commented: “Divvy continues to be a fast, convenient and affordable way to get where you’re going in Chicago." She expressed hopes of increased usage in 2025 through expanded access and charging facilities at stations.

Beyond shared micromobility services, overall cycling in Chicago has surged significantly according to data from Replica. The city has seen over twice as many cyclists since 2019—marking the highest growth among major U.S. cities.

This increase aligns with Chicago's initiatives aimed at expanding its bikeway network into a connected low-stress system benefiting all residents. Since 2023 nearly 100 miles of bikeways have been added—77 percent being low-stress greenways or protected lanes guided by community-driven strategies under the Chicago Cycling Strategy.

For further details about Divvy services or information regarding Chicago's biking infrastructure visit divvybikes.com or chicago.gov/bikes respectively.