City Gets Deep Discount On Divvy Bike Expansion

EVANSTON, IL - (City of Evanston) Community members will enjoy improved access to the City’s Divvy bike share network with the installation of three additional docking stations, the City announced today.

Evanston residents and visitors can now access Divvy bikes at 14 stations throughout the city. New station locations include:

• Levy Senior Center, Dodge Avenue at Mulford Street
• Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Ridge Avenue at Leonard Place
• Central Street at Lincolnwood Drive

The City purchased the stations, along with 30 bikes, at a significant discount from Motivate International, Inc., operator of the Divvy system, after the Village of Oak Park ended its participation in the program. The three stations and 30 bikes were purchased for just under $34,000, while one new station and 10 bikes typically costs a minimum of $55,000.

“Divvy ridership continues to grow in Evanston, decreasing congestion on our streets and reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mayor Stephen Hagerty. “Expanding the Divvy bike share program will significantly improve access for residents in west and northwest Evanston, ensuring that more riders can take advantage of this healthy, convenient and sustainable transportation option. The City also expects that new sponsorship agreements in place in 2019 will allow the program to operate at no cost to taxpayers, making this a win-win for the whole community."

So far in 2018, Divvy riders have pedaled more than 54,000 miles on trips originating in Evanston, offsetting 36,753 pounds of carbon pollution. As of August 2018, 1,170 Evanston residents held Divvy memberships, an increase of more than 12 percent over the previous year.

In August, the City and Divvy announced the expansion of the Divvy for Everyone program to Evanston, providing $5 Divvy memberships to income-qualified residents. All annual memberships include unlimited rides of 45 minutes or less anywhere within Divvy's network. With the launch of the Divvy for Everyone program and installation of three new stations, the City expects membership to continue to grow.

For more information, visit DivvyBikes.com or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.

Image via City of Evanston