B-cycle: What's in a bike sharing program?

A year ago, I participated in the brainstorming process that the city promoted online to seek ideas for our vision for Fort Lauderdale in 2035. There, I mentioned how important it is for Fort Lauderdale to have an excellent bike infrastructure that safely promotes a healthy lifestyle among its residents.

We are privileged to have this weather; can you imagine riding a bike in the middle of the winter in Chicago or New York? Brrr! What about having no hills? Fort Lauderdale terrain is pretty much flat except when one crosses a draw bridge across New River or the Intercoastal Waterways. Can you imagine riding your bike every day in San Francisco or Seattle? Ouch! So why don't we take advantage of what nature has given us and make Fort Lauderdale the envy of European cities and their bike friendly communities? Many people complain that they don't go biking because that would require actually buying one. Storing it also becomes a hassle. OK, that's understandable; so, how do we engage our citizens into a more healthy lifestyle?

That's where Broward B-cycle comes along. Launched on December 14, 2011, this bike sharing program was aimed at making it quick, easy, and convenient for local residents, workers, and visitors to get around Broward County on a bike; making it economical and convenient to use bikes for trips that are too far to walk but too short to drive. Currently, the program has 14 bike stations all around the city where one could grab a bike and go. These stations are conveniently located at several city parks, one across from the Broward Courthouse, one on Las Olas, one at the Broward Convention Center, and several all over the beach. 

B-cycle Stations around Fort Lauderdale as of October 2013

Esplanade Park Station

Benefits from cycling are well known. According to Discovery News, cycling is good for your heart, muscles, waistline, lifespan, coordination, mental health, and immune system. Moreover, as an investment in transportation infrastructure, creating bike lanes for riders or even to implement citywide bike sharing programs tends to be cheap,  providing a cost-effective mean of public transportation, if compared with the cost of widening a city street for a mile. Among all programs in North America that have at least 275 bikes or more, Broward B-cycle charges the least ($45 for an annual membership) as a proportion of their per capita income according to Bikeshare. So, if we have incredible weather, easy terrain to navigate, and the cheapest system in our country, why, then, is bike sharing not as popular in Fort Lauderdale? What can we learn from Decobike and its success in Miami Beach?

WRLN's article "A Tale of two Bike Shares from Miami Beach to Broward" justifies the difference in ridership to Miami Beach's lack of parking spaces while in Broward parking is aplenty. Also, the density of stations is a lot higher in Miami Beach, a 18.7 sq mile area. Broward's bike sharing program version is countywide that serves 6 different cities; therefore, stations are far from each other. However, the city of Fort Lauderdale, a 36 sq mile area, has a good share of stations (half of the current number of active stations countywide) that if increased, it could boost ridership.  So what does the city of Fort Lauderdale (and its citizens) need to do?

Las Olas & 8th Ave Station

Cities need to consider deployment of stations in areas where increased population and job densities positively impact ridership. These stations need to be no more than 1/2 mile apart to minimize the distance users must walk to access the service; and in locations that are accessible from multiple approaches in consideration of the necessary space requirements and circulation to and around them. Based on that, there are some potential corridors that could have more dock and costumer kiosk  presence. 

Las Olas Blvd: This corridor has not been serviced to meet its fullest potential. There are at least 4 different locations that could potentially accommodate bike sharing stations. First, the area around Las Olas Blvd and NE 2nd Ave/NE 1st Ave; where riders could go to the Museum of Art of Fort Lauderdale, Bubier Park, FAU, Broward College, and on Sundays, Las Olas Farmers Market. Second, the area around Las Olas Blvd and NE 15th Ave. At this location riders could go to popular restaurants, a US Post Office, and two Hospitals. Third, the area around Idlewyld Park before Las Olas Bridge across the Intercoastal Waterway, for riders to access businesses in the area as well as this park to enjoy its great view towards the water. And last, the area of Las Olas and A1A to improve station density at the beach.

540 Building Station

Riverwalk: This area needs to be looked at again since developments planned or currently ongoing along New River are definitely increasing (or will increase) traffic along our city's popular linear park. Linking the Water Taxi system with the bike sharing program could allow tourists to stroll around town more effectively, so improving services along the New River path is a no-brainer. Based on that, there are 4 different locations that could potentially accommodate bike sharing stations. First, on the north side of the river bank, there is Riverfront. Remember its glorious days back in the 90's when this was the place to be? Well, renovations and changes are in the plans to bring this entertainment area back to life, so when that happens a station definitely should be there. Second, on the south side of the river bank, there are three possible locations. There's one location at the Pirate Republic Bar, but this area is up for major changes with the development of  Marina Lofts, so this one could wait. There's another location by the Dowtowner Saloon that soon will be welcoming new residents from the New River Yacht Club, a 26-story building from the Related Group with 249 new rental units and 4,000 SF of retail space. The last spot could be at Stranahan Landing, providing access to the bike sharing system to residents from Rio Vista.

Flagler Village: This is an area that has been ignored by the bike sharing system but I don't think it should be for any longer. Too many things are happening in this area that will generate possible locations. First, the Bus Depot. Why? Three words: All Aboard Florida! The intercity passenger train is planning a station there, and with it our very own commuter, Tri-Rail, and our city's downtown circulator, the Wave. Lots of riders will be eager to get on a bike for just a short trip to their final destination. This location also provides access to our Main Library and our City Hall. Second, FAT Village. If this area is meant to become the "Wynwood" of Fort Lauderdale, then a bike sharing station should be there; besides, this artsy scene goes with bike sharing. And third, Peter Feldman Park. Why? 825 new rental units and more than 25,000 SF of retail are currently under construction; and 1,059 new units and 4,500 SF are planned to be built within a 1/2 mile radius.  You definitely have the population density needed for at least a station.

DC Alexander Park Station

Further afield: Some other areas outside our downtown have some potential for bike sharing docks and kiosks but this will require to have the implementation of complete streets to make it safe for pedestrians and bikers to share the road with motorists. First, The Classic Gateway Theater. It's a city icon for more than 50 years, it deserves a station. Besides, 261 rental units and 2,300 SF of retail are currently under construction just a couple of blocks away. Second, Broward General Hospital. This area will be the southern terminus of the Wave; and besides the hospital facilities, riders could access the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum and could serve as a connection point for users coming from the station located at the Broward Convention Center located on SE 17th St.  It is also seeing some development action with the proposal of 314 units to be built within blocks, and the addition of popular bars and restaurants along Andrews Ave. And last, along US 1; however, this will require accommodating  bicycle lanes (non-existent as of right now) for riders to use.

So if we could draw a "heat map" for the bike sharing service for improvement in the city of Fort Lauderdale, the areas aforementioned  meet more or less the following criteria: their population density supports higher bike share demand by providing a pool of regular users; their high employment density provides greater access to potential bike share users; students attending FAU/Broward College are a likely market for bike sharing programs because of their lower rate of automobile ownership; the areas have a heavy retail/commercial use; they are in proximity to tourist attractions and recreational areas; and there is available mass transit for inter-connectivity.

Seebreeze & Las Olas Circle

Most existing U.S. systems include a range of 3.5 to 5 bike share stations per sq mile of service area; Fort Lauderdale has a range of 2.5 bike share stations per sq mile, way below the average. What seems to be the problem? While Broward B-cycle is a privately funded enterprise and is not part of Broward County transportation network, it was originally funded by a $311,000-grant provided by the Florida Department of Transportation to Broward County Transit. The rest came from sponsors such as Humana and Trek Bicycle as well user fees for its initial capital investment and operating cost. The company works closely with county planners and transportation officials to ensure mass transit inter-connectivity; however, it relies on private investment to fund expansions. Therefore, the system has to establish public-private partnerships to grow. The fact that this is a countywide program makes it more difficult to manage and see progress, which is the main different between the two options we currently have in South Florida. While Decobike has an average of 14 stations per sq mile in Miami Beach, Broward B-cycle has 27 for the whole county.

One of the main challenges is encouraging to form a new habit.

Las Olas Circle Station

The idea is that you are supposed to ditch your car for a really short commute; so as an incentive to ride the bikes, the system allows you to track calorie-burning information, how much money you save by ditching your car, and how much carbon riders don't emit by switching to this alternative mean of transportation. In addition, local business are encouraged to participate through marketing promotions tied to offering certain discounts for bike-share members. The program also organizes happy hours or any other social events to promote that sense of belonging in the community so users can understand how important it is to be involved in the planning process along with county planners  and transportation officials. If we, as an organized community, see a demand for this service, we need to work to establish that local public-private partnership required to provide all of us an alternative to traffic in our city streets. The choice is ours, either we have road rage while trying to find a parking spot at the beach; or we release stress feeling the cool ocean breeze and seeing coconut trees as we pass by. I think the answer is pretty obvious...

Nocturnal Democracy: Marina Lofts vs. Tarpon River



View of the lot south of New River

Since Marina Lofts was first proposed about 20 months or so ago, it became the center of a fight between two very opposite groups. For years, the south side of New River between the FEC RR tracks and SW 4th Ave has been a mix of industrial lots but at the same time residential units that resemble Key West, not Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Beside the Esplanade building, nothing really is attractive architecturally speaking between those streets. Riverwalk, our city's linear park that follows the path of New River, ends by SW 1st Ave to continue again by SW 4th Ave, skipping this area to give way for Water Taxi, Fort Lauderdale's ferry service along the river, and the Riverfront Marina, a very industrial-like building.

However, in an empty lot bordered by SW 4th Ave and SW 4th Ct right across from the Esplanade building, there is a natural beauty unique in our city, state, and even our country (at least in the continental part). Albizia (Samanea) Saman, known as the (African) Rain Tree, is an 80-year old tree that sits in the property where this project is proposed to be built. It measures 61' tall with a 20-foot trunk and a canopy that is 127' wide so majestic that in 1982 it was named Florida Champion by the Florida Division of Forestry; and in 1987, the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission  resolution No. 87-318 added it to a list of protected trees to ensure that it would not be damaged or removed. 



Marina Lofts by architect Bjarke Ingles

Normally, something like this should have been (at least) noticed by the public, and maybe a park for locals and tourists to visit should have been there already by now; however, none of this ever happened. Since the tree sits inside a fenced out property, nobody but tree aficionados really paid attention to it (or knew about its existence). That of course was the case until Asi Cymbal came up with a better idea for this underused area to bring a bold new look for Fort Lauderdale's skyline. The Israeli-born, Brooklyn-raised, Miami-based developer hired none other than Bjarke Ingles, the renowned Danish star architect who was awarded with the European Prize for Architecture in 2010 and the Wall Street Journal Innovator of the Year in 2011 to design the project. His firm, BIG, came up with a breathtaking design that includes two buildings separated by a 30-foot-wide zig-zagging fissure mimicking a river path that makes them look as if they are one building snapped in half instead of two. A third building grants access to boats sailing through its center connected to a marina storage on its ground level (yeah, that's right!).



the Rain Tree

So presently, if nobody can sit under the Rain Tree's shade, if nobody can actually enjoy the Rain Tree (or at least not from far away); then, what is the big deal deal about it? For the rest of us mortals this was just another tree. Well, for the Fort Lauderdale Garden Club, this was not a mere tree; this tree was special, and they made sure their statement was heard across the board. Neighbors, preservationists, and local officials rallied to keep the tree in its current location; and "tree huggers" collected signatures petitioning to leave the tree alone citing that by moving it, the Rain Tree was sentenced to a slow and painful death. The media fueled more controversy to the issue by running stories about a Water Taxi crew member who was fired for supporting the tree's cause; and all of the sudden, this tree rose from anonymity and became the center of an unexpected (and very weird) saga (or soap opera if you would like).



To address the protesters worries, the developer hired Bob Brennan, a certified arborist for the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden; and Paul Cox, another certified arborist from a company called Environmental Design that specializes in tree relocation, and more importantly, has patented different technology (used all over the world) with high success rates of moving and preserving trees. Both specialists assure that this relocation would require a lot of planning ahead (especially clearing the way for this massive relocation) but they  both stated that moving the Rain Tree to its new home could be done citing previous experiences with much bigger trees in much tougher situations. In addition, a $1 million bond was placed in case something bad happened to the tree; however, none of this satisfied the demands from the opposition. They wanted to preserve the tree's current location at all cost, even if that meant killing the development's chances of construction.

But see, here is where our democracy works. Round 1: Marina Lofts vs. Rain Tree Historic Designation. Protesters sought to deem the tree historic based on the grounds of its previous designations; however, none of them seemed to mention anything remotely related to any historic event occurring in its surroundings. Was there any war treaty during the Seminole Wars signed under its shade? Was the tree worshipped by or had any type of religious significance to the local indigenous people? Was the tree used in any way by Frank and Ivy Stranahan in the founding of Fort Lauderdale? Nothing really seems historic here besides the fact that tree is big and unique. As expected, on December 11, 2012, very late at night, the Broward County Commission, voted 2-7 against the resolution to designate this massive rain tree as historical. (Strike One)



Planning & Zoning hearing on May 14, 2013 at City Hall

Round 2: Marina Lofts vs. Tarpon River neighbors. Even though the original proposal had been changed drastically to address some of the concerns raised by Tarpon River's neighbors, the opposition came ready to make the case against the project once again. On May 14, 2013, the City of Fort Lauderdale Planning and Zoning Department held a hearing to discuss with the public any concerns before making a decision regarding the development. One of the valid concerns was the issue about future traffic flow. The streets surrounding the lot in question are not ready for the future demand that is coming, which based on their current characteristics and geometry could be considered as local roads (2,000 vpd or less). Although this project seeks to increase walkability within our urban core, all the parking spaces proposed suggest a big increase in traffic flow in the area; therefore, better signage and signalization will be needed to make driving on these roads safe. The developer agreed to make all the necessary adjustments to the plans and committed to convert all the surrounding streets into "complete streets" to make it safe for not only motorists but also pedestrians and mass transit riders. During the developer's presentation, different benefits for the community were outlined, such as completion of the Riverwalk gap between SW 1st Ave and SW 4th Ave, shops and restaurants along the New River, a new and modern home for Water Taxi; and more importantly, a new home for the Rain Tree for all us to enjoy. As expected, the City of Fort Lauderdale Planning and Zoning Department Board very late at night (in the AM hours actually) voted unanimously 9-0 to recommend this development for approval to the city Commissioners. (Strike Two)

Round 3: Marina Lofts vs. Tarpon River neighbors/Rain Tree. Not happy with the previous results and commitments made by the developer during the Planning and Zoning hearing, the Tarpon River's neighbors and the tree protesters made their voices heard once again on August 20, 2013. 120 people put their names down to speak either in favor or against the development. From those people, there were two very distinctive groups: millennials and baby boomers. The clash between generations was evident in the rhetoric. One group was constantly living in the past and wanting things to be pretty much the same as when they moved here 20 or 30 years ago, stressing the fact that the low key mentality is what made them move here in the first place (some even mention the 1960-movie "Where the boys are"). The other group complained about having a car-driven community with a lack of units for youngsters to "Live, Work, Play" as promoted by the Downtown Development Authority, demanding an urban scene with walkable communities and mass transit interconnectivity as stated in the Fast Forward Fort Lauderdale: Our Vision 2035 plan. Two completely different approaches, for two completely  different groups coexisting under the same Rain Tree. It was not until 3:04 AM and after a lot of conditions that the development was approved unanimously 4-0. (Strike Three)

So, what can we learn from Tarpon River's involvement with the final outcome  of this development? First, having your opinion heard by your elected officials definitely pays off. The beauty of our democratic system allows the people to participate in their communities' decision-making process and be part of the change. Even though the neighbors did not stop this project from an unanimous approval, their concerns were heard and the proposal was drastically changed to satisfy the most vocal demands presented (although for some, the changes were not enough). Second, the developer reached out to the community. This marketing approach made a difference on this case, which also magnified the generational gap between the two groups. Social media was heavily used by the project supporters while the opposition presence online was not as strong since they relied on traditional media to present their case. Finally, the Foreign Direct Investment magazine ranked Fort Lauderdale as No. 7 on the "Top 10 Small American Cities of the Future" by collecting data on its economic potential, human resources, cost effectiveness, infrastructure, and business friendliness. Therefore, our government leaders did not want to make a decision that could have negatively affected our perception as a city of the future. Only time will tell if the right decision was made; however, I am sure that 30 years from now people will be mentioning this moment as the point in which Fort Lauderdale's future was changed forever.

Flagler Village, Fort Lauderdale's new walkable neighborhood

What makes a neighborhood walkable? According to Walk Score, a walkable neighborhood is one that has a center such as a main street or plenty of public space to gather or play; where there are enough people for businesses to flourish; or where streets are designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit. South Florida is famous for its suburbia mentality where people spend hours and hours driving to run their errands, go to work, school, or even have fun. However, there are some spots here and there in our metropolitan region that are radically changing (and fast!) leaving this suburban lifestyle behind. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was reading the article "Have the suburbs hit a dead end? in the Washington Post and it made me realize that this inverse population shift (from the suburbs to the city centers) was happening right around me. In the mid 2000s, Flagler Village, a little neighborhood between US 1 and the FEC RR tracks and Broward and Sunrise Boulevard, was a depressed neighborhood with not many attractions or anything interesting to put it on the map; and the further you drove away from Broward Boulevard, the more depressed it got.

Flagler Village towards Fort Lauderdale's CBD

Then, the first real estate boom came. The neighborhood started to make way for all the developments lined up. Lots were cleared, cranes popped up everywhere, and mid-rise buildings started to go up. Developers and planners finally understood the slogan "Live, Work, Play" often used by the Downtown Development Authority to promote growth in Downtown Fort Lauderdale's urban core.    Many saw this as an opportunity to promote the walkable community desired by many, with buildings close to the street and parking lots relegated to the back; and with school and workplaces close enough that residents could walk from their homes. Just an opportunity to have a neighborhood with streets safe enough for all including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities; a concept called complete streets as defined by Smart Growth America, an organization advocated to make great neighborhoods across the country.

Solé, Strada 315, Flagler Village, Bamboo Flats, the Foundry, Avenue Lofts, Alexan Solmar, the Mills, the Exchange, among others projects added units that increased the population of the neighborhood and provided a density that could have been the catalyst of the redevelopment long wanted by the City. Even housing projects materialized such as Eclipse Apartments and people started to move back to Downtown, something that did not happen in a very long time. The idea that a downtown is just for business was about to be put to rest. But then the recession happened and everything stopped. Developers left the area hoping to come back once the financial crisis was over. The area was left with empty lots fenced out and nothing else, looking once again run-down and abandoned.

Henry Sq (Flagler Village) and The Pearl

No construction happened for a while until things starting to change, and this time things were very different. Proposals started popping in last year in a way that surprised the dormant neighborhood once again. Blocks of construction changing the landscape started to get ready for construction, bringing with it a lot of amenities needed to achieve this walkabality so desired by the community. As of right now, 913 units are currently being built between NE 4th St and NE 6th St, and NE 5th Ave and US 1, including 25,000 SF of retail space. Not much if we compared this with other urban areas in South Florida but this will definitely provide the density required for businesses to flourish in a walkable distance that could push residents nearby to leave their cars at home. Within a 3-block radius, 896 more units and 4,300 SF of retail are proposed; 2 stops of the Wave Streetcar, the Downtown circulator, are proposed to be built connecting riders to the proposed inter-city train to Orlando and Tri-Rail's coastal line; and hopefully, a new bike sharing station for residents to do short trips around town without worrying about parking, gas, or traffic.

The Pearl by US 1 and NW 5th St

In addition, residents are starting to realize the potential of what a walkable community could offer. Besides all the health and economical benefits listed by America Walks, community organizers are getting together to experiment what could happen when neighbors recover their streets. Twice a year, Revel on the Block, a biannual event that aims to a bring stronger sense of connection among local residents, converts a block on NW 1st Ave between NW 5th St and NW 6th St into a walkable, bikeable neighborhood destination for people of all ages to enjoy café sitting, trees, music, food, and pop-up businesses. This project was developed to show residents how a block could be revived improving safety, health, and economics just if city ordinances promote better planned neighborhoods.

Finally, this wave of redevelopment also brought changes to Flagler Village public spaces. Peter Feldman Park, a pocket park, was created on NW 6th St between NW 3rd Ave and NW 4th Ave bringing a much needed public green area and finally a gathering place to the community that could be used for outdoor events such as a farmers market or yoga classes bringing residents even closer. With population growing fast, a new park will be needed to create more green open space. Residents are already proposing Flagler Garden, a community garden to be transformed into a habitat of urban agriculture in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, designed to accommodate 79 4'x4' raised gardening plots, communal tables, a play area, rain barrels, and compost bins for all to enjoy.

It is disappointing that some people believe walking to a place, riding a bike to the beach, or taking mass transit is a waste of time. Some even use South Florida's tropical weather as an excuse to avoid doing outdoor activities that could help them improve their health and make their lives more livable by burning calories and reducing their carbon footprints (and a few bucks too!). To them I say: wake up and get out of your car bubbles! It is time you embrace the trend and be part of the movement. Flagler Village is waiting.