Broomfield joins regional MOU to pursue docked e‑bike share pilot

Broomfield City Council voted unanimously to join a multi‑jurisdictional memorandum of understanding to pursue a regional, docked electric bike‑share system and to participate with partner cities in issuing a request for proposals.

Sarah Grant, Broomfield’s transportation manager, told the council the preferred model is a station‑based electric‑bike system rather than dockless scooters or bikes and that the Northwest Metro partners successfully applied for a state Community Accelerated Mobility Program (CAMP) grant. Grant said the region’s CAMP award totals $1,500,000 and Broomfield’s estimated share is about $350,000 for the pilot phase, with a 5% local match expected. “These funds are only for the initiation pilot phase; additional funding will likely be needed to build out a network,” she said.

Councilmembers asked detailed questions about phasing, whether federal or state grant funding could be withdrawn under changing executive orders, and how the vendor would handle dock installation and long‑term maintenance. Staff said the RFP will ask vendors to propose a phasing plan, provide examples of similar regional projects and outline capital and operating costs, potential fare structures and opportunities for public‑private partnerships with employers and developers.

Public commenters expressed mixed views. Some residents said bike share could expand mobility access, especially for people without cars or with limited transportation options. Others warned Broomfield’s low density and long trip distances could limit usefulness and urged a cautious, targeted initial deployment focused on higher‑density employment centers such as Flatirons/Interlocken.

The council’s action: Resolution 2025‑10 authorizing execution of the regional MOU and cooperative RFP process passed unanimously. Staff will participate in the regional RFP process led by the City of Longmont and return to council if a vendor is identified that would require a local contract or funding commitment.

Why it matters: If a vendor proposes a viable regional business model, a docked e‑bike system could improve first‑and‑last‑mile transit access and expand non‑car mobility options; however, costs and long‑term sustainability remain uncertain and will depend on proposals returned to the RFP.

What’s next: Longmont will lead issuing the RFP; Broomfield staff will collaborate on scope and evaluation. Any contract, capital commitment or additional local funding would come back to council for approval.