Vancouver Gets Its Wheels

"The city that prides itself on its cycling culture is finally set to hop onto the saddle of the biggest urban trend of the century: a public bike-share system," writes Frances Bula. "Vancouver has finalized an agreement for Alta Bicycle Share Inc. in Portland, Ore., to roll out a first stage of the system in the fall, using Montreal’s Bixi bikes, with a $6-million contribution from the city. It will have 1,500 bikes and 125 stations in operation by the spring."

"Alta will also install the continent’s first helmet-dispensing system to address the province’s helmet laws, which have been a hurdle for the past three years. Only two other cities – Sydney and Melbourne in Australia – are known to require helmets for bike-share users."

"The news has prompted excitement from the city’s avid cycling community, and some wariness from those who fear financial problems or a negative impact on local bike-rental companies."