A new dockless expansion will grow the city’s bikeshare network but without the disorder that has plagued ventures in other cities.

Minneapolis is moving forward with a plan to bring dockless bike sharing to the Twin Cities. Nice Ride MN hopes to avoid the problems that have cropped up with dockless bikes in other cities, including vandalism and sidewalk clutter. Andrew Small explains:
Now a new pilot proposal in Minneapolis is attempting a hybrid between docked and dockless systems. The nonprofit Nice Ride MN wants to add 1,500 dockless bikes to its existing docked network. The key feature is a low-tech but intuitive fix for keeping free-range bikes under control: put down some damn parking spots.
The designated parking will be easy to install, low cost, and decidedly simple, using just tape and signage. While some of the parking will be next to existing docking stations, the real advantage is the ability to fill in the gaps in the network and expand to currently underserved areas. The expansion will also be substantial. After the initial 1,500 dockless bikes are added to the 1,700 docked ones, bikes will be added annually with a plan to have 7,700 bikes in the system by 2021.
FULL STORY: Can Minnesota Get Dockless Bikesharing to Play Nice?

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

Pedestrian Deaths Drop, Remain Twice as High as in 2009
Fatalities declined by 4 percent in 2024, but the U.S. is still nowhere close to ‘Vision Zero.’

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie