Hamilton extends Bike Share program

A unanimous vote at Hamilton’s General Issues Committee (GIC) meeting last week has extended the Bike Share contract another two years.

The contract has been extended until the end of 2027 and comes with a proposed budget increase to $744,000 to support operating costs.

The proposed budget increase would be considered as part of the 2026 and 2027 operating budget process.

The extension would see another 100 bikes added for a total of 1,000 bikes across the city.

It would cost the city $62 per bike each month to keep them running.

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The program launched back in 2015 and has been focused on offering bike access and subsidies for community members.

Memberships range from 15 cents per minute for pay as you go, $20 a month to be a monthly user, and $100 for six months as part of the seasonal membership.

McMaster students also have access to a 12-month pass that grants them 90 minutes of daily access to bikes across the city.

The report presented to the city also looked into the feasibility of expanding the existing 150 hubs to other parts of Hamilton, including the mountain.

The decision from the GIC meeting is expected to be ratified Wednesday in council.

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