Two wheels will trump four during this summer's Republican National Convention. Between 250 and 350 new bicycles will be installed in time for the July 18-21 convention, making getting around much easier on conventioneers, politicos and Clevelanders. "Traffic's going to be a nightmare," says Bike Cleveland executive director Jacob VanSickle. "Obviously a bike is a great way to visit a city. ... You don't have to worry about parking." The bike-share program, a partnership between Cuyahoga County, the city and Bike Cleveland, is possible thanks to $357,000 in federal grants and $89,000 in local matching funds. The bikes from CycleHop, which built similar systems for cities such as Phoenix and Tampa, Florida, will be available at 30 to 35 stations throughout downtown and University Circle. Riders will pay for their trip with an app that spits out a four-digit code to enter into a panel on the bike. A GPS locater and built-in lock means the bikes don't necessarily have to be returned to a station. "It's a good amenity for the RNC," VanSickle says. "But in my eyes, it's about getting residents who are going to be here all the time access to an affordable way of getting around the city."
RNC Update: Bike-share Program
Pedal around during the RNC.
