CycleHop to Own and Operate the Ottawa-Gatineau Bike Share System

PHOTO :  (from left)   NCC CEO Dr. Mark Kristmanson and CycleHop CEO Josh Squire in Ottawa, Thursday, April 17, 2014.

CANADA’S CAPITAL REGION — The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce the transfer of its bike share program, Capital BIXI, to CycleHop, LLC, effective April 17, 2014. The new owner and operator will resume the bike share service in the core of Ottawa–Gatineau by this summer 2014, while making plans for system expansion.

“On behalf of the National Capital Commission, I am pleased to announce that the contract with CycleHop will secure the implementation and expansion of a quality bike share service in the Capital Region,” said Dr. Mark Kristmanson, CEO of the NCC. “It was the NCC’s intention to establish this active mode of urban transportation in the Capital Region and then to transfer it to the private sector. Our goal is achieved with this timely, promising and seamless transfer of our bike share system to CycleHop.”

CycleHop is committed to doubling the size of the current program within the next few years, at its own expense. The current public bike share program serves the downtown core of Ottawa and Gatineau, with 250 bicycles at 25 locations. CycleHop also plans to work on increasing participation among individuals and corporate users, enhancing customer service, and renewing the public’s enthusiasm and support for the program.

“We are thankful for all the good work that the NCC and others have contributed in establishing one of the first bike share programs in Canada. We look forward to enhancing and growing this system, so that both locals and visitors may continue to enjoy the service,” said CycleHop CEO Josh Squire. “We encourage everyone to join and continue to support the program. Bike share is a fun way to get around. It is good for your personal health, and for the health of our planet.”

The bike share system will resume by the summer, with a seamless transition of service for current users. Current Capital BIXI members have been kept informed of the development. They will be contacted again in the next few weeks with information about how to reactivate their membership for use this season.

Companies that wish to become a sponsor of the bike share program are invited to contact CycleHop.

About CycleHop: CycleHop partners with cities to develop, fund and successfully operate bike share programs. In North America, CycleHop is currently serving Orlando, Tampa, Phoenix, Atlanta and Louisville. CycleHop founders have been active in the bike share industry since 1996. To learn more about CycleHop, visit cyclehop.com. 

About the NCC: Created by Canada’s Parliament in 1959, the National Capital Commission has a leadership role in the planning, development, conservation and improvement of the National Capital Region. Large numbers of people know the NCC primarily as the steward of Gatineau Park, the National Capital Greenbelt, the Rideau Canal Skateway and substantial urban infrastructure. The organization also manages the Capital’s six official residences and a large real estate portfolio.