Jersey City, Hoboken in Bikeshare Spat

"A quarrel over bikes is pitting Jersey City against neighboring Mile Square City," according to an article by Terrence T. McDonald.

At issue are bicycles from Hoboken's Hudson Bike Share system that last fall began showing up en masse at Jersey City's public bike racks. Jersey City officials believe Hudson Bike is bringing the bikes over to Jersey City by the dozen — a charge Hoboken disputes — and competing with Jersey City's own Citi Bike system.

The controversy has found its way to the City Council in Jersey City, which is considering a measure to regulate how commercial bikes (i.e., bikeshare) can be parked at public bike racks. Plans for a Jersey City station for Citi Bike have also been scuttled, meaning one less potential bikeshare connection to the PATH commuter rail line.

According to the article, Jersey City Councilmember Candice Osborne is leading the political moves against Hoboken's Hudson Bike Share, accusing the system of misusing public resources.

Clearly wrong & being addressed. Public space being used to subsidize a private venture. Being addressed. pic.twitter.com/ph439opf1I

— Candice Osborne (@candiceosborne) November 9, 2015

The article includes more details about the ongoing negotiations to find a deal that will move the cities forward from the controversy.