CINCINNATI — Red Bike stations in downtown Cincinnati will be closed this weekend in an attempt to address safety concerns, the city announced Wednesday.
In a social media post, the city said Red Bike agreed to close stations in Over-the-Rhine and the Central Business District this weekend. There will also be a restriction on the use of rental e-scooters in both neighborhoods from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
We reached out to City Manager Sheryl Long's office about the change. They told us that while looking for ideas to prevent the rise in crime in Over-the-Rhine, both police and residents flagged Red Bikes.
"It's another intervention to prevent crime," said Mollie Lair, a spokesperson for the city manager's office.
To prioritize safety downtown, Red Bike agreed to the City’s request to close stations in OTR & Central Business District this weekend. The City is also restricting the use of rental e-scooters in those areas. This suspension will be in effect 8pm-6am this Thurs-Sat. evenings. pic.twitter.com/f33gZzkxku
— City of Cincinnati (@CityOfCincy) July 2, 2025
The news comes just days after the Cincinnati Police Department's new roving task force began its patrol Monday. That very night, officers responded to a drive-by shooting in Over-the-Rhine that injured two men.
WCPO is told both residents and police raised concerns about how some riders are using the rental services.
Billy Watson, owner of Kitty's Sports Grill, shared surveillance video with WCPO showing a group of people riding Red Bikes near his business and apparently breaking into cars in broad daylight.
Hear more from Watson in the video below:
"The car was literally right across the street from us," Watson said. "It’s a good friend of mine, he’s been coming in here for seven years. Never had one problem downtown. I know he’ll keep coming in. But it’s like there were two other cars that got their windows busted as well. And you know, maybe, it kind of makes people like —maybe I’ll just go to my neighborhood bar in a suburb — it’s not going to happen there.”
A Cincinnati Police Department spokesperson said officers have also observed Red Bikes being used outside of recreation, by people seeking "to move quickly across the city for criminal mischief."
"Just this week, a 15-year-old was seen recklessly riding a Red Bike, creating safety risks to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic," said Lt. Jonathan Cunningham. "When the teenager fled from officers on the Red Bike, he was eventually apprehended and found with a loaded, dangerous hand gun."
Cunningham said the bikes have also been used to access parking garages for vehicle break-ins and to get away from police.
"The decision to pilot this program isn't based on one incident alone, but on consistent feedback based on similar experiences from those working to keep our community safe," said Cunningham. "If removing even one tool used to commit crime helps protect lives and property, it's a step worth taking. As we continue the work of reducing crime and disorder, every option must be on the table."
Police are also planning to fully roll out their new Drone as First Responder (DFR) program by the end of July, with some drones already in use.
"This last month has been a real challenge — particularly in hotspot, concentrated areas where these crimes persist," Mayor Aftab Pureval said when the city first announced its new efforts on June 24.
The city manager's office told us the plan is to evaluate the effectiveness of closing the Red Bike stations this weekend to see if it should continue.
Watch the surveillance footage from Kitty's below:
Some business owners believe more comprehensive solutions are needed beyond bike rental restrictions.
When asked about the city's approach, Watson responded: "I guess that's a start. But like I said, these kids are doing it in the middle of the day. I think it was a Wednesday between two and four in the afternoon. Maybe when you catch these guys, even if they are juveniles, crack down on them!"
