Minneapolis among US cities looking to bike-sharing programs to get commuters out of cars

New wave of US cities look at bike-sharing plans

MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis is joining Denver in a new wave of U.S. cities launching bike-sharing programs.

Nice Ride Minnesota debuts Thursday with an initial order of 700 bicycles and 65 kiosks where riders can swipe a keycard, pick up a bike and go. It’s one of the largest urban bike-sharing programs in the U.S.

But it soon could be eclipsed by others elsewhere. Washington, D.C., plans to expand to Arlington, Va., this fall with about nine times as many bicycles as the 120 it started with.

Nearly a dozen other U.S. cities are exploring or kicking off such programs.

Denver launched its program on Earth Day with 500 bikes and 50 stations.

Cities hope the programs will help cut down on obesity, traffic jams and air pollution.

Online:

www.niceridemn.com