Norfolk bike sharing program presented

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk City Council heard a proposal for a bike renting program Tuesday evening.

Bike shares are offered in 20 US cities to assist with short trips, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing single occupant vehicle use, according to the presentation proposed to the council's Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

The City's goals for the Norfolk bike share would be to integrate it with already existing rail and transit systems and expand in neighboring cities.

The proposal states 50 stations with 350 bikes total would be built.

The project could cost $2.2 million to kick start, with grants and private sector support reducing city investment. It would cost $1 million to operate but the proposal states advertising revenues and farebox recovery would offset those expenses.

The next step for the city is to apply for grants, complete details of the plan, issue requests for proposals and launch a pilot program.