Evaluating the Expansion of Bike Share in Seattle

Holly Jones, GIS for Sustainability Management

The geographical limitations of PRONTO was one of the main reasons for its failure. GIS and python can be utilized to explore expansion of "bike share zones" in Seattle based on locations (and data) for the now defunct PRONTO Cycle Share. Using Google Map API, this study focuses on expected travel times via bike, car and bus between potential and existing bike share stations. Focusing expansion on the Urban Villages around Green Lake, where there is high potential for “destination rides” by local riders who do not own a bike and are likely more comfortable with the Seattle DOT’s Occasional Rider Routes could greatly strengthen the bike share network. The nearly 480 foot elevation change between Greenwood and South Lake Union provides ample opportunity for speedy one-way commutes and allows for trips of nearly 5 miles within the 30 minute allotted PRONTO borrowing period.