Big bucks are being pumped into Tucson's bike share program, and it's all about leveling the cycling field. The Better Bike Share Partnership (BBSP) is doling out a hefty $200,000 grant to the city’s Tugo Bike Share System. The cash flow comes with a mission – to turn the wheels of change for residents in lower-income brackets and see them speeding down the path to shared micromobility bliss.
The partnership, which includes the generous JPB Foundation, aims to quickly test and to efficiently implement new strategies so underserved communities can get their hands on bike share systems. They're not pedaling this mission alone, though – PeopleForBikes, the City of Philadelphia, and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) are all in on the action, offering Tucson a mix of funding, support, and resources. And let's not forget the brains behind the plan to increase shared micromobility use, especially in areas historically pushed to the backroads.
According to the City of Tucson's official announcement, this grant is a game-changer for community-led planning, putting the locals in the driver’s seat. Families United Gaining Accessibility, AKA Familias Unidas Ganando Accesibilidad (FUGA), are joining forces with the city to foster partnerships through public events and more, ensuring everyone gets a seat at the table.
This is a big win for mobility advocates, who've been itching to put their wheels in motion for such improvements. Ward 1 Council Member Lane Santa Cruz said in an official statement, "This is a critical investment that’s been overdue in our part of the city and by supporting the work already being done by FUGA this grant helps us to continue break down barriers to mobility." It seems that Tugo Bike Share might soon become Tugo for everyone, with FUGA Program Manager Vanessa Gallego expressing to the city, "Now we can work with our community to identify the mobility gaps to make Tugo for Nosotros!"
Tucson's bike network, operated by Shift Transit, currently boasts over 330 pedal-powered steeds, 41 stations, and 558 docking points. And Tucson isn't riding solo with this grant – the 2024-2026 Living Lab grantees list includes Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. The gears of progress are turning, and it's anyone's guess which city's bike lanes will next be buzzing with shared, equitable cycling opportunities.
