Who would have thought that in this digital age, bicycles would make such a comeback? The three cities of Hoboken, Weehawken and Jersey City have decided to initiate a bike share program.
Nobody questions the wisdom of this decision. It only makes sense. More people want to take this “green” transportation than ever before. They can take the bike to the train, and then from the train to their destination. The ferry can be reached by bike, also. If people know that there are bikes readily available on the other side, it may increase trade in the area.
Besides the advantages of the extra trade, the bikes make more sense for people who have errands to run, and don’t want to drive a car from one spot to another. It’s especially good in a place like Hoboken, where a lot of the businesses are clustered. I don’t know if baskets for packages will be available or not, but it’s an idea to be considered.
The question is which program to use. Hoboken seems committed to the NextBike program, and it looks like Weehawken is with them on that. However, Jersey City’s Mayor, Steve Fulop has decided to take his business to Citi Bike, the company that has the bike-sharing concession in the Big Apple. He believes it would be good relations and would attract business from New York City into Jersey.
There is a huge difference in the cost of the two programs. Citi Bike is one that requires specific hook-up racks, and will cost $5,000 per bike. Compare that to the Next Bike system which can be locked into standard racks and costs $1,200 per bike.
The program in Hoboken will probably not require subsidies in order to encourage locals to adopt it. Jersey City, on the other hand, may very well need to subsidize in order to attract enough sponsors for the program, since it costs so much more.
A poll was taken in which this question was asked: Do you think it makes sense for Jersey City to pursue bike-sharing program with NYC instead of JC neighbors? Of 72 votes, 43 (or 59.72%) voted no. There were 29 (40.28%) yes votes.
What would your vote be?