The City of South Bend is looking into starting a bike share program.

On Tuesday, July 26, the Board of Public Works unanimously a study to research the idea.

The bike share system allows users access to a bicycle at any self-service station and return it any station located in the service area, similar to the bike share program in Chicago.

The study would focus on strategies that allow riders with limited mobility or financial limitations to utilize the system, according to a City of South Bend news release.

Planning efforts will take place this summer and fall, and the city will push for federal transportation funding through the Michiana Area Council of Governments.

If the plans are funded, the first bikes could be available by the end of next year, the news release stated.