The Baltimore Department of Transportation is shutting down the city’s bike share program from September 17 to October 15 so that system improvements can be made.
As the number of
bike share thefts increased during the summer, Baltimore’s Department of Transportation has decided to shut down its bike share system for roughly a month, effective September 17. Anti-theft measures will be taken as bikes are fixed, recovered and replaced -- those measures include GPS navigation systems, tracking technology, and anti-theft locks.
The equipment upgrades would ensure that the bikes are safer and available to city residents who use the service.
The thefts have reduced the number of bikes by 14 percent, with stations being empty as a result. When the program started last year, it had 200 bikes across 20 stations. More stations are expected to open in the future, which could increase ridership, help support the program, and make it more difficult for bikes to be stolen.
Adrienne Barnes, spokeswoman for the Baltimore Department of Transportation, told the
Baltimore Sun, "Our intentions were not to confuse riders at all, but to make sure each station had a good supply of bikes on demand. Unfortunate incidents hindered supply. Moving forward communication will be much clearer and direct."
There has been no indication on whether or not riders who purchased $15 yearly passes will be compensated. If you have purchased a pass, stay informed by visiting the Baltimore Bike Share
website.
Featured image courtesy of thebaltimorechop.com
