Vinnie Van GO says the next time you are in a new city, take advantage of the growing bike-sharing phenomenon, which is touted as an economical, environmentally friendly and healthy way to traverse and tour urban areas. Cyclists use a member key or ride code to unlock a bike from its docking station, and, after an allotted time, return the bike to a docking station at any location; it does not have to be the same one from which the bike was originally removed.
Vinnie recommends these top urban bike sharing programs to get you moving:
New York City has thousands of bikes available at hundreds of stations offered via its Citi Bike NYC. Three membership options are available: a 24-hour pass for $9.95; 7-Day Access Pass for $25 and an annual membership for $149.
To date, Capital Bikeshare offer visitors and residents more than 3,000 bicycles at more than 350 stations across Washington, D.C.; Arlington and Alexandria, Va.; and Montgomery County, Md. Options include day memberships for $8; three days at $17; or a yearly membership for $96 which can be paid in monthly installments.
Chicago offers pedal-enthusiasts more than 4,700 bicycles at 476 stations with touch-screens kiosks and station maps via Divvy Bikes. Annual memberships cost $75 for unlimited 30-minute trips; students pay only $55. Twenty-four hour passes are available for $9.95. Divvy also offers corporate and community membership programs which allow groups to offer discounted memberships to employees or dues-paying members.
The Bay Area Bike Share in San Francisco provides an easy, affordable option for quick trips around the city. Riders need to purchase an annual membership online for $88 online; a 24-hour pass for $9 or a three-day membership for $22 from any station kiosk. Corporate memberships also are available.
The Ft. Worth Bike Sharing program in Texas offers a 24-hour pass for unlimited 30-minute rides for just $8; plus $1.50 for another 31 – 60 minutes and $3 for each additional 30 minutes. Specific information about docking stations, specifications and rules can be found on operators’ websites.
GO Airport Shuttle operates at the airports serving all the listed bike-sharing cities.
For airport transportation or around town rides, click here to check rates and availability.