B-cycle sets the stage for bike sharing in Milwaukee

The B-cycle preview last week earned glowing reviews from cycling advocates in Milwaukee and a prediction for a permanent engagement featuring the bike-sharing system.

Dave Schlabowske, the outgoing bike and pedestrian coordinator for the city, tested the system displayed at the Discovery World Museum and came away with this forecast:

"If I look into my crystal ball, I see bike sharing coming to Milwaukee in the next year or so, but in a limited pilot form. I could see a system with six to ten stations and 30 to 50 bikes to start. That is a far cry from the city-wide systems like the 1,200 bike system in Minneapolis or even the 350 bike system in Madison, but it would plant the seed."

Schlabowske helped coordinate the presentation to the museum's board of directors and will continue to be a player in the bike-sharing plans in his new job as communications director for the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin.

With an expansion into Milwaukee, the Trek Bicycle venture would reach 12 locations across the country.

Previously a skeptic, Jason McDowell also left the museum demonstration applauding the rental system.

"A system such as this could go a long way toward energizing the downtown area," he wrote for OnMilwaukee. "No longer would workers be trapped in a four-block radius for their lunch hour and they'd return rejuvenated. Small chores could be run more efficiently. The learning curve for tourists would be easier than trying to figure out a bus map. Apartment and condo owners could run errands without the need of having to equip their race bike with a clumsy basket. And plus, it's just fun."