Chicago is growing its Divvy bike-share system in 2026 by adding or upgrading around 200 stations across the city. This project aims to make it easier for people to find a bike, especially in neighborhoods that did not have many stations before. The expansion follows a very busy year in 2025, when riders took nearly 6.8 million trips. By adding 100 new stations and improving 100 existing ones, the city wants to help more people use bikes for work and fun while keeping costs low for those who need it most.
Meeting a High Demand for Bikes
The decision to expand comes after a period of high growth for the Divvy system. In 2025, the number of trips reached a record level of almost 6.8 million. This shows that residents and visitors are choosing bikes more often to get around the city. Because so many people are riding, some stations often run out of bikes, or there are no open spots to park them.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Lyft, the company that runs the system, are working together to fix these issues. Their plan focuses on two main goals. First, they will build 100 new stations in areas that currently have very few places to rent a bike. Second, they will upgrade 100 existing stations so they can hold more traditional bikes and electric bikes, also known as e-bikes.
Spreading Access to Every Neighborhood
A major part of the 2026 plan is making sure that every part of Chicago has access to the system. In the past, most stations were located in the downtown area or near the lakefront. The new plan will place many of the 100 new stations on the South and West sides of the city. These neighborhoods have often been overlooked in earlier transit projects.
By filling these gaps, the city hopes to provide a reliable way for people to reach bus stops or train stations. This is often called “the last mile” of a commute. When people have a bike station near their home and their workplace, they are less likely to rely on cars. This helps reduce traffic and makes the air cleaner for everyone.
| Station Type | Number of Locations | Primary Goal |
| New Stations | 100 | Bringing service to new neighborhoods |
| Upgraded Stations | 100 | Increasing capacity for e-bikes in busy areas |
| Total Expansion | 200 | Supporting record-breaking ridership numbers |
Keeping Prices Fair
Even with all these improvements, the city is trying to keep the cost of riding affordable. The price for a standard annual membership will stay at $99 for 2026. This price applies to both new members and people who are renewing their accounts.
For people living in specific “equity priority” areas, the cost is even lower. The Divvy for Everyone program offers a $5 annual membership for residents with limited incomes. This ensures that the bike-share system is a tool for all citizens, not just those with higher salaries.
However, some other costs are changing. To pay for the maintenance of the new stations and bikes, the city has adjusted the prices for day passes and some per-ride fees. These small increases will help keep the bikes in good condition and ensure that the system can continue to grow in the future.
Expert Perspectives on Urban Growth
City officials believe that this expansion is a necessary step for a modern city. Tom Carney, the acting commissioner of CDOT, spoke about the importance of these updates during a recent announcement:
“Our goal is to create a transportation system that works for every resident in every neighborhood. By adding 200 stations and focusing on the South and West sides, we are making a commitment to fairness and better mobility for all of Chicago.”
Representatives from Lyft also expressed their support for the plan. They noted that the increase in e-bike use has changed how people think about cycling. Caroline Samponaro, a leader at Lyft, shared her view on the success of the system:
“The record ridership we saw in 2025 proves that Chicagoans love having flexible options. These upgrades will help us meet that demand and make the Divvy experience even smoother for the millions of people who rely on us every year.”
The Benefits of More E-Bikes
Electric bikes have become a very popular part of the Divvy system. These bikes have a small motor that helps the rider pedal, which makes it easier to go long distances or climb hills without getting too tired. The 2026 expansion includes more charging technology at the upgraded stations.
When an e-bike is parked at a newer station, it can charge its battery automatically. This means the bikes stay ready for the next person and workers do not have to swap out batteries as often. This technology makes the whole system more efficient and reduces the number of service vans driving around the city.
How Riders Are Using the System
Data from 2025 shows some interesting trends in how people use Divvy. While many people use the bikes to get to their jobs in the morning, a significant number of trips happen during the weekends near parks and the lakefront.
45% of trips are for daily commuting to work or school.
30% of riders use the bikes to connect to CTA trains or buses.
25% of trips are for exercise or visiting local businesses.
These numbers suggest that Divvy is not just a tool for workers. it is a part of how people enjoy the city. By adding more stations near shopping districts and parks, the 2026 plan supports these different types of activities.
Looking Toward the Future
As the 200 stations are installed throughout the year, Chicago will become one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. This project is a sign that the city is serious about moving away from a car-centered culture. It encourages a healthier lifestyle and helps people save money on gas and parking.
Residents can expect to see the first new stations appearing in the spring. As the weather gets warmer, the city will host events to teach people how to use the bikes and explain the different membership options. With nearly 6.8 million trips already on the books from last year, 2026 is likely to be another record-breaking year for cycling in Chicago.
