Hamilton Bike Share receives boost from city as councillors support increase in funding [Video]

Hamilton city councillors have voted to continue supporting Hamilton Bike Share and consider a funding increase in the 2026 and 2027 budget process.

The vote at council’s General Issues Committee passed 13-0 Wednesday. Members voted in favour of a city staff report recommending an increase next year of $258,000 for a total contribution of $744,000 to Hamilton Bike Share Inc. — the non-profit that operates the service.

Bike share users pay to rent bicycles parked at hubs spread throughout much of the city. Using an app, they can unlock a bike and ride it, then return it elsewhere.

According to city staff, the program has 32,000 active members and logged 500,000 rides in 2024. Hamilton Bike Share expects about 700,000 rides this year, staff said. 

In the meeting, Coun. Mark Tadeson (Ward 11) said that while many in his rural and suburban ward may not immediately benefit from bike share — which operates primarily in …