Divvy Bike Discounts Expand To Evanston

EVANSTON, IL — Divvy has expanded discounted access to its bike sharing program for Evanston residents. The Divvy for Everyone program now provides low-cost access to unlimited rides on the network to a larger number of Evanstonians, the city and company announced Thursday. All qualifying Evanston residents are eligible to receive one-time annual memberships for $5 as part of the program.

The memberships provide for unlimited rides of 45 minutes or less within the Divvy network. They normally cost about $100, plus surcharges for longer rides.

Annual household incomes at or below 185 percent of federal poverty guidelines – ranging from $22,311 for an individual to $60,976 for a family of six – or those who already receive SNAP, WIC or LIPH or public housing benefits are able to receive the discount, according to the city.

The Divvy for Everyone program had been tremendously successful so far, Divvy General Manager Michael Critzon said in a release.

“Accessibility and inclusivity are our top priorities at Divvy," he said. "We are looking forward to helping more Evanston residents at all income levels explore and enjoy Evanston and Chicago on a bike.”

Mayor Steve Hagerty said he was thrilled to partner with the company and its sponsor to expand the discounted rides program.

“Evanston is a bike-friendly community, and it’s important that all residents are able to access and enjoy this healthy, convenient and sustainable transportation option," Hagerty said.

There is no credit card required and usage fees can be paid in cash at participating 7-Elevens and Family Dollar stores, according to Divvy. Residents can sign up at city buildings and community centers.

Divvy bike sharing is operated by Brooklyn-based Motivate International. The Divvy for Everyone expansion has been sponsored in part by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, according to a release.

The Evanston City Council voted 7-2 in January to agree to a 12-month, $300,000 contract extension to its contract with Divvy.

Voting against renewing the contract, Ald. Peter Braithwaite said the program had "sounded really good" in the beginning, according to the Daily Northwestern, "but when you look at the numbers it's just not working."

The bike stations were first installed in Evanston in June 2016 with the help of a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. Ridership data is available online through March 20.

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