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Austin needs bike-sharing like Denver
While walking in downtown Denver last weekend, I passed one of the city’s new bike stations, where you can borrow a bicycle for a small fee.
The city has about 50 of the stations with a total of 500 bikes throughout downtown and in surrounding neighborhoods.
When I first passed the station, two women were wheeling away shiny red bikes with big metal baskets on the front. Only two bikes remained in the racks.
When I passed by about four hours later, the rack was full, a stable of 20 or so snappy looking pedal-powered vehicles ready to be rented.
During the day, I saw several groups of riders pedaling around on the distinctive rental bikes.
Denver launched its bike-sharing program in April, after testing a similar system during the Democratic National Convention in 2008.
Since then, Chicago, Minneapolis and Boston all have started bike-sharing programs.
Users sign up online or buy a 24-hour pass at the so-called B-station. They pick up a bike, ride it wherever they need to go, and return it either to the same station or another official B-station.
A 24-hour pass costs $5; a 30-day pass is $30; a seven-day pass is $20; and an annual membership is $65. Once you’ve got a pass or membership, rides of 30 minutes or less are free. Beyond that, usage fees apply. It costs $1.10 for 31 to 60 minutes; $3.30 for 61 to 90 minutes; $6.60 for 91 to 120 minutes; and $4.40 for every 30 minutes thereafter.
For more information about Denver’s system, go here.
I wish Austin would start a bike sharing program!
I can just imagine stations near the state capitol, the UT campus, Sixth Street, Zilker Park, the South Congress Avenue shopping area, City Hall, Auditorium Shores, the warehouse district, Fiesta Gardens and more.
What do you think? Would you rent a bike?
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Comments
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By carri
July 30, 2010 9:32 AM | Link to this
If I were visiting a city I would prefer a fee-based bike rental program over renting a car. Not sure I’d use it here at home since I usually have my own bike, which is free :-)
It’s totally socialist & reactionary voices might punch me for even mentioning it, but Bern Switzerland has an excellent free bike rental program. Just leave an ID and a small deposit and you get a bike for the day. There’s only a fee if you keep the bike past closing and return it the next day.
By BRIAN
July 31, 2010 10:26 AM | Link to this
Austin already has a community bike program called “Yellow Bike”. Google it for the details but it is free. No fee’s….. period. Volenteers and donors/donations make it happen. Find a yellow bike on the street and need a ride? Take it, ride it, leave it anywhere.