With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Citywide Bike-Sharing Program Delayed Because Of L.A.'s Advertising Contract
Photo of Bike Nation rental kiosk via Bike Nation/Facebook
()
There's a bump in the road for the company that is rolling out Los Angeles' first bike-sharing program. Bike Nation said it was hoping to roll out its program this summer, but Angelenos are going to have to wait a little longer for the program that is similar to New York City's Citi Bike program.
The issue boils down to how the program will be paid for. Users swipe a credit card to check out of bike from a kiosk, and these fees help to pay for the bikes, but they don't cover all the costs. That's why these bike-sharing programs have turned to advertising, like CitiBank in NYC and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.
The problem here is that the city has a contract with CBS Outdoor and JCDecaux that gives them the rights to sell advertising through 2021 on "street furniture," including bus stops, public toilets and newsstands, according to the Los Angeles Times. Bike Nation knew about this contract but they thought they would be able to reach a compromise since the contract doesn't mention bike kiosks specifically.
Bike Nation Chief Operating Officer Derek Fretheim told the Times that they were hoping that the French company JCDecaux might be sympathetic to their cause since they sponsor a bike rental program in Paris that relies on advertising revenue. But that hasn't happened yet. CBS has said it supports
Support for LAist comes from
The company hopes Eric Garcetti will interpret the city's contract in a more favorable way, but in the meantime, they're looking for corporate sponsors to help them kick the bike-sharing program into gear.
Related:
4,000 Bikes Will Be Coming to a Kiosk Near You Thanks to City's New Massive Bike-Sharing Program
A Well-Organized Bike-Sharing Program Could (Finally) Be On Its Way to Los Angeles County
Bike Nation to Roll Out L.A.'s First Bike Sharing Program
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent.
Best of LAist