City leaders in Cleveland had hoped to build a bike-sharing program throughout the downtown area. But with unexpected reductions in the budget, the bike rental plan has been altered to a theft-based system.
Department of Transportation head Shirley O'Day made the announcement about the program's alteration at a recent budget hearing.
"We know we can't afford to spend the millions of dollars it would take to build out this bike-sharing system," O'Day told city councilors. "But our downtown vision plan calls for increased bicycle use. If we can't have bicycles to share, the least we can do is encourage residents to shift at least some of their trips to someone else's bike."
Officials are hoping the bike-stealing program will cut downtown congestion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the city, and increase physical activity – both through cycling and the act of stealing the bikes.
FULL STORY: Lacking Funds for Bike-Sharing, City Launches Bike-Stealing Program

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?

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.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
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