The project first took a hit at the start of this year when Bixi, the Canadian company contracted to supply the bicycles and equipment, filed for bankruptcy. Fear not, city officials said at the time, funding for the project remained in place and a new supplier would be found. 

A month after Bixi’s bankruptcy filing—not completely unexpected—Robinson, at Bike Maryland’s annual state symposium in Annapolis, said Social Bikes, a New York-based company bicycle supplier (above photo), had been selected to replace Bixi. Although a contract hadn’t been signed yet, Robinson noted at the time, Social Bikes was partnering with Portland-based Alta, the company that will operate Charm City Bikeshare, in other cities and that he expected the deal to be finalized soon.

That’s not going to happen now. At least not right away.

Robinson said the Baltimore City Department of Transportation (DOT) had been working on the assumption after Bixi’s bankruptcy filing that the State Highway Administration and Maryland Department of Transportation would not require the city’s DOT to put out another Request for Proposal (RFP) before identifying a substitute bicycle supplier. That turned out not to be the case, Robinson said, adding that he expects the new RFP to be finalized this summer. The start up cost of Charm City Bikeshare is being funded through the state’s Cycle Maryland initiative.

The projected launch of Charm City Bikeshare is now June/July 2015.

Robinson said Social Bikes still remains, along Bixi, recently purchased by Quebec businessman Bruno Rodi, B Cycle, whose previous attempt to bring bike sharing to Baltimore never came to fruition, and the new Bicycle Transit Systems, among the handful of companies likely to respond to the RFP. “It’s not like there are a lot of companies out there that do this,” Robinson said.

Phase I of the Charm City Bikeshare project calls for 250 bikes at the 25 stations. Phase II, which would double the size of Charm City Bikeshare, doesn’t have a firm timetable, Robinson said, adding that the city needs to find a lead sponsor, or several sponsors, to support the project before it can move forward with Phase II.

Capital Bikeshare, also operated by Alta, now has more than 300 bicycle docking stations in Washington, D.C. and surrounding metro area, with 2,600 bikes, 24,000 members—and 6.1 million trips under its belt since launching more than four years ago. According to Bikeshare.com, almost 50 U.S. cities now have bike-sharing systems, with more than two dozen, including Baltimore, in the works. New York City’s new bike-sharing program, Citi Bike, already has surpassed 7 million rides and has more than 100,000 members.

A Google map of bike-sharing programs around the world can be found here.

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Maryland scored high marks in encouragement and legislation—creating a 3-foot passing law and toughening distracted driving penalties (Jake’s Law) in recent years—as well as education and encouragement. The state also received kudos for new polices that include bicycle education for police and an emphasis on bike safety in its strategic highway plan.

Maryland also received shout-outs for its active state advocacy group, Bike Maryland, as well as its “Complete Streets” policy, “Share the Road” campaign, and commitment to state funding. The state’s report card can be found here.

Washington, Minnesota, and Wisconsin made the podium in the rankings, coming in at No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, respectively. Delaware ranked fourth, with nearby Virginia and Pennsylvania at No. 18 and No. 19, respectively.

In a statement, Gov. Martin O’Malley highlighted the passage of the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 as key in supporting alternative transportation efforts, including bicycling projects. Maryland will dedicate nearly $210 million over the next six years to programs that support alternative transportation projects, including bike lanes and trails. In 2011, O’Malley launched the Cycle Maryland initiative to promote cycling and increase funding to expand bicycling opportunities.

“To build a modern transportation system that supports the needs of all Marylanders, we have to invest in alternative forms of travel like bicycling,” said O’Malley. “We are honored that the League of American Bicyclists recognizes Maryland as a leader in making bicycling a true transportation alternative. Beyond the health benefits, expanding cycling and walking opportunities are fundamental to our ongoing efforts to foster sustainable land-use, protect the environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and better connect our communities.”

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