Petition launched to keep SoBi on Hamilton streets

Hamilton | Ontario | Latest News |

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Published May 20, 2020 at 2:20 pm

Cycle Hamilton has launched a petition to keep a popular bike-sharing service on city roads for years to come.

Cycle Hamilton has launched a petition to keep a popular bike-sharing service on city roads for years to come.

The petition, started Tuesday (May 19), calls on Uber-owned Social Bicycle LLC, which operates Social Bicycle Hamilton (SoBi), to honour their contract with the City whereby the company operates the service until February 2021.

It also calls on the city to ensure that SoBi continues to operate beyond the end of the contract.

“Hamilton’s bike share system is a vital part of its transportation network and an essential mode of transportation for Hamiltonians every day,” the petition states.

“Over the past 7 years this system has grown to have 26,000 active members who have collectively taken 1.6 million rides and travelled over 2 million kilometres by bike.”

The bikes and their infrastructure are owned by The City of Hamilton and in February, a contract with Social Bicycle LLC to operate the system until February 2021 was renewed.

Last Friday (May 15), however, the Uber-owned firm — which has been operating the system since the spring of 2018 — notified city staff that they would be pulling out of the contract early, and would be winding down operations of SoBi Hamilton starting June 1.

Since the news came to light Tuesday, the public outcry has been mounting.

Mayor Fred Eisenberger said he was disappointed in the company’s decision and said the news “doesn’t feel good.”

He did, however, vow to do “whatever it takes,” to ensure that Hamiltonians continue to have access to this valuable service.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 300 new members have signed up and the system operates as an essential service,” the petition points out.

“This growing membership reflects global trends that show an increase in cycling as people look for physically distant ways to complete their essential trips and exercise.”

The petition, initially looking for 2,500 signatories, has already obtained more than 2,400 and climbing — quickly.

For those who want to add their signature, the petition can be found here.

To learn more about Cycle Hamilton and their advocacy in the city, visit their website here.

Photo courtesy SoBi Hamilton’s Facebook page

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