The St. Petersburg City Council discussed the continued success of the city’s bike-share program during a council meeting Thursday, highlighting strong ridership numbers and approving new funding to improve bike parking infrastructure.
St. Pete’s bike-share initiative first launched in 2016 with traditional pedal bikes. In 2021, the program was upgraded to include electric bikes, making the system more accessible and practical for everyday transportation. By 2023, the city’s streets hosted a significantly expanded bike-share network through its agreement with Lime, the shared electric vehicle provider it contracted with in 2023.
Today, up to 300 Lime e-bikes are stationed throughout St. Petersburg, allowing residents and visitors to easily travel around downtown and nearby neighborhoods.
Ridership data shows the program continues to grow. Since partnering with Lime this year, the city has recorded more than 72,000 trips using the e-bike system.
Usage also increases during major city events. Officials reported that large gatherings such as St. Pete Pride and the Firestone St. Petersburg Grand Prix generate significant spikes in ridership, with bike-share trips increasing by roughly 30 percent during those periods.
“[E-bikes] proved to be more popular from a utility standpoint,” said a city representative, noting that riders frequently use them as a practical way to get around the city rather than solely for recreation.
Because of the program’s popularity, the city is considering expanding bike-share access beyond the downtown core in the future.
To support the growing number of riders, the City Council unanimously approved $10,000 to upgrade aging bike racks and improve bike parking infrastructure across the city.
Councilmember Gina Driscoll noted that residents have responded positively to St. Petersburg’s micromobility options.
“People are more satisfied with this bike program and scooter share,” Driscoll said.
Councilmember Copley Gerdes also expressed strong support for the e-bike program and its growing presence throughout the city.
“I’m just very thankful for that advocacy with Lime. It’s made a big difference,” Gerdes said. “I love seeing the e-bikes down Central Avenue from water to water.”
The city’s current agreement with Lime runs through March 2029
