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Bike-sharing program could cycle into Orlando next summer

ORLANDO, Fla. — The city of Orlando is preparing to put a bike-sharing program out for bid.

The program could hit the road next summer.

Ryan Rzepecki, founder of Social Bicycles, is one of a handful of vendors putting together proposals.

He's set up similar networks in San Francisco and Tampa. Orlando could be next.

"It's extremely flat, has good weather and it has a bit of a downtown core to work with," Rzepecki said.

The developers and city hope the program will cut down on congestion and increase convenience by encouraging people to get around on bicycles.

The city would supply the land and vendors would build docking stations or hubs near Lynx, Lake Eola and eventually at Sunrail stations.

Jon Ippel from the city of Orlando said it would be great for the city.

"We're supportive of it," Ippel said.

Rzepecki explained how it would work.

"Drive to the light rail, take it to the city and use the bike for the last mile," Rzepecki said.