Regulating the Ride: Lessons on the Evolution of Dockless Bikeshare Policy in American Cities
American cities are in the midst of a personal mobility revolution, particularly centered on the growing phenomenon of dock-less bikeshare programs that have launched in many cities in the past few years. As city officials and community activists seek to diversify the modes of transportation available to residents and visitors, flexible new options such as dock-less bikeshare are emerging as low-cost alternatives to the more traditional public investments in mass transit and improved roadways. At the same time, a rash of private investment from high-tech firms and international consortiums has further reduced the startup and operating costs of dock-less bikeshare programs, which operate without costly docking stations or local administrative staff.