Snug Organics Blog

Bicycle Sharing Programs

Tuesday May 11, 2010

Imagine a bike that is always ready to ride, where and when you want to ride it. The tires are always inflated and the chain is never rusty.  A bike with a basket to carry your knapsack or Betty Basket Liner.  A bike with front and rear lights and a bell that fits people tall and short.  A bike that’s there whenever you need it, and gone when you don’t.  That’s a B-cycle.  And it’s powered by the ultimate alternative fuel: you.

On Earth Day this year, Denver B-Cycle launched the first large-scale citywide bicycle sharing program in the nation.  It’s designed to help Denver residents and visitors increase their daily activity, save money and reduce carbon emissions. The idea came from Europe and Asia where there are currently 50 cities with public bike sharing systems.  Montreal and Mexico City launched in 2009-10.  B-cycle is a collaboration among three major American companies:  Humana, Trek Bicycle Corporation, and Crispin Porter + Bogusky.  Also, community partners, foundations and organizations all stepped up to help create Denver B-cycle, a non-profit.  This program supports the city’s Greenprint Climate Action Plan, the Strategic Transportation Plan and the Living Streets Initiative.  With over 358 miles of bike routes/trails and 300 days of sunshine, Denver is the perfect city to launch a bike sharing system.

Here’s how it works.  Denver B-cycle members can pick up a B-cycle from any of the conveniently located B-stations and drop it off at any other B-station.  By the end of June, Denver will have approximately 500 B-cycles at 45-50 B-stations.  Users can sign up for 7-day ($20), 30-day ($30) or annual memberships ($65) online. Users can also purchase a $5 24-hour membership at the B-cycle station with his/her credit card. Discounts are available for students and seniors.

If you want a bicycle sharing program in your city, go ahead and vote here.  It could happen sooner than you think!  Also, type in your zip code to check out the B-effect, or how B-cycle will improve your community.