Houston City Council Approves Major Bike Share Expansion

Houston Public Media | Gail Delaughter

Under that expansion, the number of bike share stations will grow by close to 40. That will give Houston a total of 97 stations with the vast majority inside the 610 Loop.

That program is operated by Houston BCycle and it’s funded primarily through a federal grant. District J Council Member Mike Laster says he likes the way the program is being rolled out.

“This is really holistic and a good program, as much as anything because it is strategic,” commented Laster. “And it is happening on a course-by-course basis. Quite frankly, we’re not just putting thousands of bikes on the streets.”

While many council members praised the expansion, the only person to vote against it was District D Member Dwight Boykins. He says he’s frustrated bike share hasn’t expanded to underserved neighborhoods like Sunnyside and South Park.

“Midtown is not all of District D,” said Boykins. “And until they can allow the people can access quality heath in my community, they will not get another vote from me.”

District K Council Member Martha Castex-Tatum said she’s also concerned about bike share access. She says she’s now having conversations with BCycle about proposed locations outside the Loop.