Boulder seeks proposals

Boulder is issuing a request for proposals for a shared micromobility program that includes electric scooters and bikes.

According to a city news release, entities can apply to own and/or operate the program, which Boulder hopes to launch this summer, as part of a combined program, an individual one or as a partnership consisting of one or more vendors.

The city currently contracts with Boulder Bike Share, a local nonprofit that uses the Boulder B-cycle platform to provide a bike sharing service that began in 2011 largely as a means of reducing vehicular travel and emissions.

In an October Boulder City Council study session, staff alluded to the various possible methods of operating the program, noting the process could result in a new private partner operating the program and providing bikes, scooters and other equipment and dismantling the existing platform or a new company providing equipment while maintaining Boulder Bike Share as the operator.

When Council last discussed this matter, Senior Transportation Planner David “DK” Kemp said the bidding process would guide the path forward and that the RFP wouldn’t be shaped to cater to each of those different scenarios.

The transition to a shared program is inspired by new information from Boulder Bike Share’s strategic planning process as well as changes in regulations that allow for e-bikes and e-scooters. According to prior Camera reporting, those involved with the strategic planning process recommended partnering with a private company for equipment while maintaining Boulder Bike Share as the

operator. City staff has made no formal recommendation.

The successful applicant will work with the program for one year with the option to renew on an annual basis for four additional years, according to a city news release.

The deadline to submit a proposal is 4 p.m. April 9. To view the RFP or submit it online, visit bidnetdirect.com/colorado. RFP documents will be available electronically. Proposals are submitted at the applicant’s expense and will become a public city record.

If there are issues with the system, contact the Bidnet Direct technical support team at 800-835-4603.