For Immediate Release
June 30, 2017
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mafara Hobson, mafara.hobson@seattle.gov

Introducing Seattle Bike Share 3.0
SDOT Unveils NEW Transit Option for Seattleites
City pilots permitting requirements for private bike share companies

SEATTLE – Today, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) launched a new pilot
program that provides permitting requirements for privately-owned bike share companies to
operate in the city and provide an additional transit option for residents and visitors.

“Three years ago, we launched a citywide bike share program in Seattle. And, no It didn't work.
But our SDOT team never stopped working to deliver on our commitment to provide a bike
share mobility option," said SDOT Director Scott Kubly. “We want to give residents as many
transportation options as we can to get around our growing city. This effort gives us the
flexibility to collect ridership data as well as provide a low-cost transit option without
public funding.”

Here’s how the pilot works:
• Bike share companies interested in operating in Seattle, must apply to SDOT’s pilot
permit program.
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Each must be able to show a demonstrated ability to meet requirements for safety and
operations in Seattle.
Successful applicants will be permitted to operate for six months.

At the end of the pilot, SDOT will analyze bike rental data and performance metrics,
which include several measures such as safety, operations, and neighborhood
distribution equity.

SDOT will then evaluate the performance and efficiency of the pilot and determine if
it meets the standards to become a permanent transit program.

SDOT is especially pleased with a protection feature within the new regulations that enable the
department to protect all of the private data that's collected through bike rentals, ensuring
that riders get the best and safest service from bike share operators.
700 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3800   PO Box 34996   Seattle, WA 98124-4996   T 206.684.ROAD (7623)   www.seattle.gov/transportation

 The pilot also gives SDOT the ability to test the feasibility and effectiveness of dockless bike
share. At the end of the day, it all boils down to what best serves Seattle's 700,000 residents,
and the millions of visitors who move about the city daily. And SDOT is eager to find the
best bike share option for Seattleites.
Interested in applying for a bike share permit?
Visit http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/bikeshare.htm.
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