A man rides a Lime electric bicycle in Washington, DC. Photo: Kevin Carter/Getty Images
Starting next month, Raleigh will begin piloting a new bikeshare model in the city, replacing the existing Cardinal Bikeshare program.
Why it matters: The move will transition the city from a docked bikeshare system to one that is fully dockless.
Raleigh leaders believe this system will provide more flexibility, giving residents more places to park bikes and reach parts of the city where bikeshare docks currently don't exist.
Driving the news: Infrastructure from the existing Cardinal Bikeshare system, which has 30 docking stations across the city, will be removed in August, according to Barbara Godwin, the city's bicycle and pedestrian program manager.
In its place, Spin and Lime will offer 215 dockless electric bikes around the city in August as part of a pilot program lasting until April.
The city will also add several parking areas that they are referring to as micromobility corrals to help with the parking of the dockless bikes.
What's next: The city says it will use the pilot period to collect data and feedback from residents about the dockless system.
Next year, it plans to open a longer-term partnership up for bids with a company for its bikeshare program.
