Mercer Island has launched an online survey gauging community interest in a free-floating Bikeshare service, like those operating in Seattle and coming soon to Bellevue and other surrounding communities.

Many residents may have already noticed these colorful bikes (green, yellow, orange) appearing on the Island from Seattle.

For over a year, the City Council has been exploring various ways to enhance mobility on the Island and improve access to transit. In particular, the City is seeking to provide more options for commuters to reach the Mercer Island Park and Ride, without needing to drive and park a Single Occupant Vehicle (SOV). This becomes especially important as increased parking pressure now leads to all stalls filling by 7 a.m. on most weekdays.

Today, Mercer Island’s Park and Ride is served by a range of express and local buses, but in several years it will also connect to East Link light rail at the new Mercer Island Station currently under construction.

If made available on Mercer Island, these bikeshare bikes could not only help commuters reach the Park and Ride, but also help residents get around Town Center, go shopping, or do errands without driving. The bike fleet would likely be a mix of pedal-powered, and electric-assist (which require much less effort).

the city asks locals to complete this three-minute survey to help us design a Pilot Bikeshare Program to meet their needs. Local’s suggestions will help the city understand where to best spend Sound Transit Settlement dollars.

The city currently has a related rideshare pilot underway with Lyft and Uber to provide discounted car rides to the Park and Ride for weekday bus commuters. Locals can learn more about various commute options and get other helpful information at www.mercergov.org/CommuterResources.