Denver Bike Sharing Has Potential

Denver B-Cycle   B-cycle is helping Denver residents increase daily activity and reduce carbon emissions with the country’s first citywide bike-sharing system, Denver B-cycle. On April 22, the program launched with 500 B-cycles at 50 B-stations around the city, offering a green alternative to cars for short commutes and errands.

I tried out Denver's new bike sharing program last week. I had about a half mile journey and didn't feel like walking, so I decided, what the hell?  I'll support the community and give B-Cycle a shot.

I have to admit, the Treks they give you are actually pretty nice. Although you look like an idiot riding around with a huge basket on the front, the bikes are easy to use and rather comfortable.

However, I was under the impression that if your trip was under 30 minutes, it was free.  So I went to the kiosk on Broadway and Walnut and swiped my card, I figured it was sort of collateral in case you damaged the bike, they would have a way to charge you..  I dropped off the bike 8 minutes later on 17th and Curtis only to find out that I just paid $5 for that trip.

Apparently, to use B-Cycle, you have to pay $5 for a 24 hour membership, but that gives you unlimited  uses in 1 day.  Probably good if you have a bunch of errands to run and want to save on parking, but if you are lazy like me and were just using it to save time on a half mile walk, not worth the $5.

This is a great idea, but still needs some tweaking to be effective.

My advice to you, B-Cycle:  Make it cost $1 for a 1 time trip thats less than 30 mins, and charge $5 to the people that actually want to go on long bike rides for the day and explore the city.  You will be way more profitable.