NYC DOT’s dockless bike share pilot, which aims to test the newest technology in the bike share industry, will be extended for at least another 90 days.
“DOT has extended Lime’s pilot operations by another 90-day period for the purpose of further evaluation. Motivate and JUMP have also been offered the same extension for 90 days from each company’s start date," according to DOT spokesperson Alana Morales.
The pilot program is being done to determine the best way of expanding bike share to neighborhoods outside of the Citi Bike service area. The pilot will be analyzing sidewalk clearance needs, bike parking demands and community concerns. In addition, the DOT will evaluate dockless bike share operators' compliance with data accessibility and user privacy. The pilot will also evaluate the safety, availability and durability of the bikes themselves.
Dockless bikes can be parked almost anywhere, without the need for docks or stations, as long as it meets the parking guidelines set by the NYC DOT. Users can unlock and lock a bike using a smartphone app. The pilot includes the North Shore of Staten Island, Central Bronx and the Rockaways, Queens.