Mayor Brandon Johnson, CDOT, and LYFT Announce Divvy's Busiest Summer Ever as Biking Continues to Boom in Chicago
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and ride-sharing company Lyft, announced today that Divvy, the city's bike share system, has experienced its busiest summer ever. This increase in ridership can be attributed to the city's investments in safer bike infrastructure and programs aimed at making biking more affordable and accessible.

Since June 1st, riders have taken over 3.5 million trips on Divvy bikes, with July and August marking the system's first ever million-trip months. Mayor Johnson expressed his excitement about this record-breaking summer, stating that "it's exciting to see more Chicagoans choosing biking as a convenient way to get around our city." He also emphasized the city's efforts to make Divvy more accessible and affordable for all residents.

According to Sean Maidson, General Manager of Divvy, a significant part of this growth can be attributed to the work done with Mayor Johnson and CDOT to ensure that bikes are available at high-demand locations and that the system is reliable and convenient for riders. Maidson also highlighted the importance of keeping prices affordable for riders, with a $99 annual membership for new and returning riders and frozen prices for current members.

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In addition to expanding and improving Divvy itself, Chicago has also been investing in safer bike infrastructure. With over 500 miles of on-street bikeways and trails now available in the city, there has been a focus on creating routes that feel safe for people of all ages and abilities. This is in line with the Chicago Cycling Strategy which aims to provide low-stress neighborhood greenways and protected bike lanes for safer connections between schools, parks, businesses, public transit, and other community destinations.

CDOT Commissioner William Cheaks Jr. emphasized how this record ridership is directly linked to their efforts in building a safer bike network across Chicago. "Giving people comfortable routes to bike," he stated, "along with programs that make biking more accessible, is helping more Chicagoans choose biking as part of their everyday trips."

One such program is Bike Chicago, which has distributed its 5,000th free bicycle since its launch in 2022. This program provides eligible residents with bicycles, helmets, locks, and other safety equipment, with a focus on reaching communities facing economic and mobility challenges. Additionally, CDOT's Learn to Ride program has taught approximately 400 Chicagoans of all ages and experience levels how to ride safely this summer. Led by the SAFE Ambassadors, CDOT's outreach and engagement team, these free classes range from basic skills for first-time riders to navigating neighborhood streets.

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With the success of Divvy's busiest summer ever and the city's continued investments in safer bike infrastructure and accessible programs, it is clear that biking has become an integral part of daily life for many Chicagoans. As Mayor Johnson stated, "we will keep building on that progress so even more residents can take advantage of all that biking has to offer in Chicago."

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