Hamilton's proposed bike share program has had a flat tire as it attempts to roll out its program this summer.

City bike share staff confirmed the $1.6-million project, approved in December 2013 and expected to start this summer, won't be fully operational until September.

"Installations (of the bike hubs) have started over the next seven weeks," said Christine Lee-Morrison, manager of mobility programs and special projects.

She said up to 18 stations will be installed weekly throughout the lower city. In total there are about 100 locations confirmed, with another 10 set to be established. Most of the locations are on public property.

When the locations were approved earlier this year, it was decided that the Mountain wouldn't have any hubs. Mountain councillors were upset, arguing their residents were looking forward to accessing the program.

Instead, Chelsea Cox, community manager for SoBi Hamilton, the non-profit company partnering with the city for the project, stated in an email that hubs will be installed at the bottom of each Mountain staircase and near major transit stops.

"I know that this does not constitute full service to mountain residents right now, but our long-term goal is to cover the entire city," Cox stated.

This is Social Bicycles first foray into Canada with its bike share program. Cox says the program is complicated to coordinate because it involves ordering the bikes from overseas and getting the necessary approvals.

Hamilton Community News