Foursquare ITP’s Philadelphia Bikeshare Client Got More People Biking

Philadelphia residents rely on the City’s bikeshare program, Indego, to get to where they want to go. A recent study from Drexel University reported by Philly’s PBS affiliate WHYY , also found that Indego users increased their physical activity. 

Foursquare Integrated Transportation Planning (Foursquare ITP) was instrumental in shepherding the Indego program, working on its feasibility study almost 10 years ago and developing its business/expansion plan after its launch in 2015. Finally, in 2019, Foursquare ITP assisted in writing proposal evaluations and scoring.  

According to the Drexel study, not only have Indego users experienced more physical activity, but these cycling endeavors appear to affect nearly everyone in the city, blurring race and income lines. At its initial launch, the program deliberately sought to provide access for communities of color and to people across different income levels. Foursquare ITP assisted Indego in maintaining its goal of keeping equity at the forefront of the program, and this objective has come to fruition. There is now evidence that the program has especially benefited Philadelphia residents who are Black or Latino with a median age of 30 and an average income of less than $35,000 per year. 

Andy Zalewski, AICP , one of Foursquare ITP’s Vice Presidents, served as Project Manager throughout the iterations of the Indego projects. “We’re glad we played a part in the program’s planning and development,” he says, “Our staff benefits from Indego today and Foursquare ITP even includes Indego as part of their employee commute transit subsidy.” 

Foursquare ITP is always excited when our work has measurable impacts on the community it serves. We are pleased that the Indego program has been so successful for Philadelphia residents, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented communities.