2018 was one incredible year for Bike Share Toronto and it’s all because of YOU!
What made last year so fantastic? From a notable system expansion to major ridership milestones, there’s a lot for Bike Share Toronto members and users to celebrate as we reflect back on 2018 and ride forward into 2019.
Over the last year, Bike Share Toronto saw over 30% increase in ridership! Capping off the year with riding through 2,000,000 trips, we experienced an all-time record high. Surpassing 1,000,000 trips by July and hitting the 2017 total ridership by September, our community of riders continues to grow. Thank you Toronto for riding by our side!
With 1,000 new bikes and 90 new stations, Bike Share Toronto expanded into new neighbourhoods in 2018. Deploying the new bikes & stations across the summer months, the system now spans a total of 75 square kilometres.
Broadening into new communities, Bike Share Toronto now has stations in the following city pockets:
We gave back to our riders this year with Free Ride Days! Offering users free rides on specified dates, we invited Toronto to try the system free of charge.
For the month of June, riders enjoyed Free Ride Wednesday, Brought To You By CAA, over four Wednesdays. Encouraging Torontonians to get to the polls, we also hosted Free Ride Municipal Election Day in October. Whether commuting to work, running errands or exploring Toronto, our Free Ride Days gave our city the opportunity to do so from a bike seat.
We spiced things up this year with unicorn bikes! Are you wondering “what in the world is a unicorn bike?” A unicorn bike is a uniquely decorated bike share bicycle that stands out from the rest of the fleet. In 2018 we released four special unicorn bikes into our system, including our Canadiana Bike, Single Trip Bike, BOO Bikes and Skeleton Bikes. Users had a blast biking around the city on our colourful rides for their chance to win incredible prizes. Keep an eye out for new unicorns during 2019.
Giving back to our city, the Bike Share Toronto team joined in on a number of programs to support our local community. Back in 2018, we had the honour of visiting Ronald McDonald House Charities in Toronto, making lunches for families. We rallied the team in the summer to beautify Toronto’s green spaces, cleaning up unwanted trash. Finally, we capped off the year with our winter clothing drive – keeping fellow Torontonians warm through the chilly months. We look forward to another year of engaging our communities through philanthropic initiatives.
“Originally, I was going to use the Bike Share program only in the winter months to save my own bike from the perils of our harsh winter weather. But after my bike had two flat tires in weeks, I decided to sign up tout de suite and switch to riding Bike Share bikes full-time.
It’s been a year and a half, and I rarely use my own bike now. The ease of use and numerous stations in the downtown core have made Bike Share part of my daily routine. I use it to go to work, to the gym, to get groceries, to meet friends—even to attend the opera and the ballet. You might see me whizzing by in a tuxedo! I actually brought home a seven-foot-tall Christmas tree on the front of the bike last holiday season. I also like that I don’t have to cart heavy bike locks around anymore and I never have to worry about bike theft. Plus, the cost of a year’s membership is about the same price as a full tune-up for my bike, so the cost is easily offset. Bike Share just seems to suit my transportation needs perfectly. It’s a no-brainer!”
As one of Toronto’s top rider for 2 years in a row, I really believe in the potential of the Bike Share system. I started cycling in the city 6 years ago as a student and continue till this day, now as a full time performing artist. You can catch me biking at any time, day or night and throughout all 4 seasons. I enjoy the curious looks I get from strangers as I roll through the busy streets – especially the shocked faces in the winter. Who knew people could bike through the heavy snow while looking cute?
For some, biking in the city may be a hobby but for me, it’s that and so much more. It’s my primary method of transportation – my fastest and most affordable option to get from point A to B to C, making a pit stop at D, and all the way back to A, within this busy city. As I am running to gigs, meeting up with friends, attending parties, grabbing groceries or teaching a class, I can rely on Bike Share to get me to my destination on time. I love the ease of being able to grab a bike no matter where I am and no matter the time of day. Passing through rush hour traffic allows me to have a stress free commute, which is the main reason why I use Bike Share. I can leave on my own time and have no one but myself to depend on. The best part of riding a bike in a crowded city is that you’re in control of it all. I love exploring new roads & hidden routes and I am constantly recommending that the best way to indulge in what this city has to offer is on a bike. All I need are some headphones with some good tunes and I am on my way to seize the day. You can follow my journey on all social media @UsmanKhanTV. Photo taken by Tyler J. Sloane.”
– Your friends at Bike Share Toronto
