Livin’ La Vida Local: Chicago’s Divvy Bike-Sharing Program

CSN Inside Sales Coordinator Erica Hale Guest Blogs About Chicago’s New Blue Bikes
Courtesy of Divvy

Courtesy of Divvy

If you’re like me, you can’t help but notice futuristic bike docking stations popping up all over downtown Chicago. No, the city is not charging you to park your bike (don’t laugh; someone asked me that). These cool Chicago blue bikes are part of a new program initiated by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT): Divvy.

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According to its website, Divvy is “Chicago’s bike-sharing program with 4,000 bikes and 400 stations across the city.” The purpose of the program is to provide Chicagoan’s with additional transportation and ease congestion in heavy traffic areas. Plus, the bikes provide a green-living alternative—no harmful car fumes!

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The docking stations are conveniently located near CTA and Metra rail stations. I’ve noticed several near HSCN’s locations, making biking from your corporate apartment to work, or a Best Local spot, a breeze. There are docks near Presidential Towers in the West Loop, Cityfront Place in Streeterville, 215 West Apartments in the Loop, 180 N. Jefferson in the Loop and Columbus Plaza in Near Eastside.

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You have the option to purchase an annual membership for only $75. Daily passes are also available for $7 for a 24-hour period. However, it’s only valid for a 30-minute ride. Additional fees apply if you use the bike for longer than 30 minutes.

Divvy also offers the convenience of paying with a credit card and the ability to return your rented bike to any docking station in the city. So why not take a blue Divvy bike for a spin and tell us what you think?