Providence Presses Pause On JUMP Bike Rentals

PROVIDENCE, RI — The streets of Providence are suddenly a little less colorful. The bright red, rentable JUMP bikes that have become a common sight throughout the city suddenly disappeared on Thursday.

According to the City of Providence, city officials, JUMP and sponsors Lifespan and Tufts Health Plan agreed to temporarily remove the bikes from streets while safety measures are discussed.

"As part of a commitment to provide residents and visitors with convenient and equitable intermodal transportation options, a joint public safety effort will collect bicycles and explore options to enhance security mechanisms for the system and to promote responsible ridership," a release from the city read in part.

In April, Uber, JUMP's parent company, added 700 additional bikes across Providence, bringing the total to 1,100.

The bikes have come under fire in recent weeks. At the end of July, Providence City Council President Pro Tempore Michael Correia called for the removal of both JUMP bikes and electric scooters including Lime and Bird.

"I have received numerous daily complaints about these bikes and scooters being left on sidewalks, blocking walkways and driveways, and being a hazard for those with mobility issues," Correia said at the time. "I have even had complaints of bikes being vandalized by young people. I believe that we need to provide alternate and economical forms of transportation across the city, but I'm concerned that a safety plan or retrieval plan are not in place. I will be inviting representatives from these companies, and the City departments that oversee these partnerships to join me for a meeting in September to hear from the community directly."

Correia and other councilors co-sponsored a resolution calling for a "thorough and formal analysis" of the bikes and scooters.