In the fall of 2004, the Toronto Community Foundation launched a publication titled Vital Ideas 2004: Improving Toronto’s Vital Signs which profiles community initiatives and organizations that are making a real difference in Toronto. BikeShare is listed as one of the “effective programs that offer compelling funding opportunities for philanthropic support. The programs and organizations profiled in the report are indicators of innovative and successful initiatives undertaken across the city.”

The profile appears on pg 6 of the report and is reproduced below.

BikeShare
(The Community Bicycle Network)

Overview: BikeShare is a community bicycle-lending program which was launched with the help of TCF. It provides its members with access to a fleet of bright yellow bikes at 14 pick-up and drop-off hubs across the city, connected through an on-line lending system.

Accomplishments: BikeShare provides a convenient and economical alternative to the car for getting around the city. BikeShare has signed up over 800 members since its start three years ago and new hub locations are added regularly. BikeShare was nominated for a Stockholm Partnership for Sustainable Cities award.

Need: BikeShare’s long-term goal is to have hub locations within a ten minute walk of anywhere in downtown Toronto. To do this, the program needs funding to increase its membership and the size of its fleet.