Seattle deciding whether to make bike-share program official

SEATTLE -- Seattle city leaders are deciding whether to expand a bike-share program that allows people to rent and leave a bike anywhere in the city.

The City Council is considering legislation Monday that would make permanent a one-year pilot program started last summer.

The city anticipates charging four bike-share vendors about $250,000 a year for a permit for about 5,000 bikes each. The expected $1 million in annual revenue would be used to build designated parking corrals and for administrative costs.

The proposal would allow about 20,000 bikes. The bikes are located by GPS, unlocked with an app and left anywhere in the city.

Currently, three vendors — Spin, LimeBike and Ofo — have about 10,000 bikes in the city.

Supporters say the program adds transportation choices and reduces congestion. But critics have complained about the bikes blocking sidewalks and being parked improperly.