Columbus considers downtown bike rentals
COLUMBUS (AP) — Officials in Ohio’s capital city are considering a proposal that would allow workers and visitors to rent bicycles to get around downtown and possibly near the Ohio State University campus.
The Columbus Dispatch reports the bikes would be available at various locations in Columbus through a credit card-swipe at hourly, daily or yearly rates.
Such programs have started other cities, including Chicago, and Columbus’ recreation director says the city is looking to Minneapolis. There, it costs $6 a day or $65 a year to rent one of 1,200 bikes at 116 stations. More than 100,000 people rented bikes in 2010, the program’s first year.
Costs to Columbus to get the program running are estimated between $250,000 and more than $1 million. Service could be in place in 2013.