St. Pete E-Bike Program Gets Funding Boost
The St. Pete City Council approved funding for upgrades to the city's e-bike program. Councilmember Copley Gerdes noted the positive impact of the e-bikes and their increased visibility on trails and in parks.
The St. Petersburg City Council recently discussed the e-bike program's success, noting high ridership and approving funds to improve bike parking. The city's bike-share program started in 2016 with traditional bikes but upgraded to electric bikes in 2021, increasing accessibility. Lime, the city's contracted shared electric vehicle provider since 2023, stations up to 300 e-bikes throughout St. Pete. Since partnering with Lime, the city has recorded over 72,000 trips, with ridership spiking during major events like St. Pete Pride and the Firestone Grand Prix. The council approved $10,000 to upgrade bike racks and parking infrastructure to support the growing number of riders. Due to the program's popularity, expansion beyond downtown St. Pete is under consideration.
