Nice Ride operator Lyft said in a statement that it was a “tough decision” to suspend operations. "We have worked tirelessly to find a new sponsor but have not been successful. We will continue to work with our local partners to look for opportunities to provide service again in the future."Alex Friedrich | MPR News 2013 After 13 years, the Nice Ride bike sharing program in Minneapolis is shutting down, as first reported by Racket.
The rideshare company Lyft, which operates Nice Ride, has been unable to fill a $2 million funding gap after its sponsorship contract with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota ended last year. A ‘tough decision’
Nice Ride Minnesota executive director Bill Dossett said the nonprofit plans to sell the bicycles — 1,333 of them — and docking equipment — 198 stations — by the end of June. More than 700 helmets are expected to go to the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota and Our Streets .
“I believe some parts of our stations will go to some of the larger cities” that still operate bike-sharing programs, Dossett said. MPR News is Member Supported
What does that mean? The news, analysis and community conversation found here is funded by donations from individuals. Make a gift of any amount today to support this resource for everyone.
Donate Today
The electronics inside the docking stations are obsolete, he said, and were designed before smartphones came into common use. Upgrading the technology for Minneapolis would cost more than $600,000, […]
Continue reading the original article at: www.mprnews.org