05.08.12 at 12:00 p.m.
Lauren Covington
Bike Share Rolls Into Houston

Last week, Mayor Annise Parker announced Houston B-cycle, a new bike-sharing program that has arrived downtown with three stations and 18 bikes, with more than 20 stations and 100 bikes expected by early 2013.

People want to know, what exactly is bike sharing?

While it’s a relatively new concept in the United States, it started out in the Netherlands as an experiment in the mid-sixties. While the first experiment didn’t go as planned (stolen bikes!), today’s technology has paved the way for successful bike sharing programs all over the world.

B-cycle is a next-gen bike sharing system. In layman’s terms: B-cycles are there when you want one and gone when you don't. Just swipe your card, grab a bike, and get to where you’re going.

How it works:

  1. Sign-in. Purchase access online or at any B-cycle station. Membership can be for a short as 24 hours, or as long as a year.
  2. Select. Choose a bike from any B-station.
  3. Ride. Grab your bike and go.
  4. Return. Park your bike at any B-station.

 

It's not intended for long-term bike rental or recreational use, but as a solution for 'the mast mile' of a commute, or an eco-friendly transportation alternative. During every ride, the first 90 minutes is free. After 90 minutes, members will be charged $2 per half hour, up to $55 for the day. The 90 minute window is perfect for anyone who wants to grab a bike and head somewhere for lunch, go to a short meeting or run errands.

For longer rides, the key to avoiding extra charges is to check your bike into a station for before your 90 minutes is up, and start a new 90 minute session.

The best part? B-cycle cuts down on emissions, traffic and is fueled by the cleanest energy out there- you!

Memberships start at $5 for 24 hours, $15 for 7 days and $50 for an annual membership. Besides the clear savings, benefits of an annual membership include a B-cycle card for one-step ‘tap’ to unlock a bike and the ability to track mileage, trips and money saved on the B-cycle website.

Stay plugged in with Houston B-cycle on Twitter or Facebook.

Annise Parker, B-Cycle, bicycle, Bike Share, Downtown, green, Houston, Robert Eury, Rodney Ellis, sustainability
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