Midwest BikeShare, a short-term bicycle sharing system, is a step closer to fruition in Milwaukee. More than a year in the making, the project is set to launch this year, since the city’s public works committee has authorized 28 public stations for the program.

Formed by Bruce Keyes and Barry Mainwood, Midwest BikeShare has been successful in Chicago, Denver and Minneapolis. The Milwaukee system will use B-Cycle bicycles from Trek Corporation, in Waterloo. The $1.6 million cost will be covered through funding from the city, private donors and the federal government’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program.

Grant approval will go before the Common Council and Mayor Tom Barrett. It has the support of council members Tony Zielinski, Nic Kovac, Jose Perez and Bob Bauman, who co-sponsored the measure.

For more information, visit MidwestBikeShare.org.