Miami Beach finalizes Citi Bike contract; city staff flags targeted station expansion and resident benefits

The city’s transportation department told the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee that the Citi Bike contract has been fully executed and the vendor will begin rolling out new features and bikes immediately. Jose Gonzalez, transportation, said the contract is “fully executed and in effect” and staff expect an initial expansion and a public announcement to roll out the same day.

Committee members said they support expanding stations beyond the traditional South Beach locations. Commissioner Rosen Gonzalez said the item grew out of traffic and access issues during Art Basel and that more stations near the Convention Center and in Mid Beach would improve mobility during high‑impact events.

Why it matters: staff said demand has picked up in the Convention Center and Ocean Drive areas and identified Mid Beach as another likely expansion area. The committee noted that Mid Beach poses unique constraints: parts of Collins Avenue and Indian Creek are FDOT roadways, on‑street parking is being reduced because of an FDOT project and freight loading zones are also needed.

Key details: Jose Gonzalez said the contract’s public‑benefit package gives Miami Beach residents three free 30‑minute rides for new customers and one free month of membership every 12 months for existing members. Residents will need to provide proof of address — for example a utility bill, bank statement or lease — to qualify for the benefit. The vendor representative (Colby) confirmed membership options currently include a $20 monthly plan that covers unlimited trips of up to 30 minutes (a $25 monthly plan covers unlimited one‑hour trips).

Staff and vendor representatives said they are evaluating where hardware can fit — public right‑of‑way space is limited — and will pursue siting on private property (hotels, large condo buildings) where feasible. Colby said DecoBike/Deco Bike has placed stations on both public and private property in the past and is open to private‑property locations if space is available.

Next steps and constraints: staff will drill down on Mid Beach locations and coordinate with FDOT and neighborhood groups before any roll‑out there. Commissioners asked staff to consult the Mid Beach Neighborhood Association before announcing new Mid Beach stations; staff said outreach will occur once a site analysis is complete. The committee directed staff to return with additional detail and pricing for station placement in the near term; the item is scheduled to return to committee in April.

Ending: The committee praised the resident benefit package and the vendor’s new fleet — staff said the contract allows the city manager to increase the number of electric bikes from 100 up to 200 if demand warrants — but emphasized that Mid Beach will require further coordination with FDOT, freight/loading needs and neighborhood groups before stations are added.