B-cycle Bike Share Review

The B-cycle program offers a convenient way to zip around town in sturdy commuter bikes. The bikes are easy to ride and feature a basket that holds up to 20 lbs. The only downside is the complex pricing system, which should be simplified to encourage more riders.

B-cycle rolled out in Denver on Earth Day 2010. The bike share program, designed for short-term rides around town, offers sturdy red bicycles for rent through a membership program. On Thursday, July 15, 2010, the B-Cycle program offered journalists a test ride from Cherry Creek to REI along the Platte River trail. I also checked out another bike on Monday, July 19, 2010, on my own for a follow-up ride on B-cycle from the 1350 Larimer St. station.

The jaunty cruiser bikes are certainly fun to ride, with an adjustable seat and three speeds for flexibility. The attached basket and lock makes it convenient for running errands, while burning calories at the same time. The only tricky part was the double-pronged kickstand, which is similar to kickstands for scooters. Rolling the bike forward snapped the heavy kickstand into place, but don't actually try to kick the kickstand without some forward momentum.

The bikes are a little on the heavy side, and a few spandex-clad road bikers sneered as they zipped by on their lightweight bicycles. However, the B-cycle must be appealing enough to ride but not irresistible enough to steal. According to Brent Cruz Tongo, marketing and communications for the City & County of Denver, only one bike has been stolen to date out of around 35,000 rides. Riders are charged $1,000 on their credit cards if the bikes are gone for more than 72 hours.

Checking out the bike proved relatively straightforward, although the touch screen froze a few times. I swiped my credit card for a $5 daily membership, agreed to the user agreement, and entered my phone number. Then I selected the bike I wanted from the kiosk and rode off down the trail. Returning the bike proved simple as well. I just wheeled the bike into place into another kiosk and waiting for the green light to blink three times.

The only quibble with B-cycle is the complicated pricing structure. The B-cycle encourages rides of less than 30 minutes with the pricing, but it seems contrary to the spirit of exploring unknown territory if you have to keep checking your watch. Unlimited rides of less than 30 minutes are included with the membership, and then the program charges $1.10 to $4.40 per additional half hour. The daily maximum rate is $65, which is the same price as the annual membership. Additionally, riders must have credit or debit cards as cash is not accepted.

If you do give B-cycle a whirl and like it, the annual membership provides the most bike for your buck. Annual memberships are $65, with a $20 discount for students and seniors. Annual members receive a B-card in the mail that allows them to bypass the touch screen, and access the bicycles by swiping a card.