There’s a new trend in big cities–sharing bicycles to get around town. Broward County just announced that bike sharing program is about to begin here in Ft. Lauderdale. As a cycling enthusiast, I love the concept and hope to see more people taking a quick ride from the office for lunch. It’s a great lifestyle changer that will save money, gas and congestion. Tourist or local, I hope this takes off.

Broward Commissioners have approved a contract with B-Cycle to manage and operate a bike sharing program as a means of reducing traffic congestion by providing an inexpensive way to get around town. The bicycles will be located at various station kiosks throughout Broward County. To access the public bikes, users can swipe a credit card or pre-purchased membership card. The rented bicycles can be returned at any kiosk. Bike share kiosks will open in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Pompano Beach in the next six months. Initially, 200 identifiable blue bikes will be purchased and available for public use. The program is expected to expand to 500 bikes over a five-year period. Bikes can be rented daily or weekly or via an annual membership.

So how does the program work? B-cycle is a bike sharing system. As their site tells us, “B-cycles are magic bikes that are there when you want one and gone when you don’t. Just swipe your card, grab a bike, and get to where you’re going.”

Sign in, Select a bike, Ride, and Return. It’s that simple.

How it all works

Click here for a video.

B-cycle is a joint venture between Humana, Trek Bikes and Crispin Porter + Bogusky, an advertising and design agency.

Low-maintenance, cruiser-style bikes were specially developed by Trek Bicycle Corp. to accommodate people of all sizes and biking abilities. Each bike is equipped with a data-tracking system that calculates mileage, calories burned and carbon offsets. Riders can access their personal data and connect with others at Bcycle.com. Bikes are available at stations and feature three or eight speeds, lights, and a mesh front basket that holds up to 30 pounds. And different, low cost membership options are designed for both residents and tourists.

For more information, visit www.bcycle.com

Drop us a note if you find B-Cycle useful and share your story. :) And hey, don’t forget – wear your helmet!

Tags: bike sharing, cycling, Fort Lauderdale, Green

This entry was posted on Friday, December 3rd, 2010 at 11:13 am and is filed under Fitness, Sustainability. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.