After losing sponsor, advocates fear Minneapolis’ Nice Ride could shut down

The lack of a significant sponsor for Minneapolis’ bike share program Good Journey has led to a name for town to step in with stopgap funding till another could be discovered.

It has been confirmed that after greater than a decade, the contract with essential sponsor Blue Cross Blue Defend will finish in August 2023.

Lyft, which has operated Good Journey since 2018 in Minneapolis, confirmed to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Enterprise Journal that it’s exploring “each avenue” to make sure this system’s sustainable funding.

However Transfer Minnesota, a Twin Cities-based sustainable transportation advocacy group, has expressed considerations that the lack of BCBS sponsorship may depart this system $3 million in the entire.

In an announcement issued Wednesday, the group claims that Good Journey has a $1 million sponsorship credit score for 2023, however {that a} additional $2 million is required “to be ready to open subsequent yr.”

That is why Transfer Minnesota is looking on Minneapolis Metropolis Council to supply $2 million in stopgap funding to make sure Good Journey can proceed to function till a brand new sponsor could be discovered.

This system served 73,000 riders in 2021, who between them went on greater than 500,000 rides, with many utilizing the bikes to journey to eating places and leisure venues, or to run errands.

Transfer Minnesota additionally highlights the significance of this system to the two,600 low-income residents who usually use the service. These on SNAP or different federal advantages can use the bikes for simply $5-a-month, or e-bikes for five cents a minute.