Houston’s First Bike Share Program Celebrates 1 Year!
On May 2, 2012 Houston joined San Antonio, Chicago, and 12 other U.S. Cities when Houston B-Cycle launched a pilot bike share program with only 18 bikes and three stations. On April 3rd, 2013 they went live with the program expanding to 21 stations and 175 bikes. A year later, they have 29 stations and over 220 bikes!
The bike share program is intended to be used for short trips in and around downtown Houston and surrounding urban areas. Want to run an errand while at work and don’t have the energy to fight traffic or parking fees; check out a bike! Having a hard day at work and need fresh air during lunch; check out a bike. Want to explore an area of Houston, and site see; check out a bike!
How it works? At every bike station there is a Kiosk where you can check out a bike using your credit card. You can also purchase online. Ride, and return your bike at any B-Cycle station. The onboard B-cycle trip computer allows members that registered online to track all the miles they ride, the calories they burn and the carbon emissions they avoid.
Rates? You can use your credit card at any B-Station to purchase either:
- A 24 Hour Pass – $5*
- Weekly Pass – $15*
- Membership (Yearly) – $65*
*Its important to note that B-Cycle is not a bike rental, and it discourages over night usage of the bike by charging an additional $2 per hour Fee. if the bike is kept longer than 60 minutes. To avoid this charge, check the bike back in at any B-Cycle station and check it out again.
Locations: Houston B-Cycle Stations are located: Downtown, Midtown, Houston, Montrose District, Houston Museum District, Allen Center, Houston Heights, multiple stations located at key METRORail stops, and more.
“The love affair with the car is finally over, and providing alternatives to help people get around in the urban environment will be increasingly important.” -city sustainability director Laura Spanjian
I joined the celebration of their first anniversary by “exploring Houston from the best seat there is”; a Houston B-Cycle Bike. Check out the Gallery!
To learn more about Houston B-Cycle, visit Houston.Bcycle.com
I’m guessing $15 yearly is a typo, if not how can I get in on that.
That’s so weird! I could have sworn it said 65 lol either way its updated! Thanks for Reading! 🙂