Denver B-Cycle Open for 2011

Denver B-Cycle Open for 2011

Report by Eddie Clark

Mayor Vidal and Colorado Rapids “Kick Off” second season of the Denver B-cycle bike sharing program.

(March 14, 2011) DENVER, Colo.—On a brisk Monday morning, Denver Mayor Guillermo (Bill) V. Vidal proudly launched the opening day for the second season of Denver B-cycle’s very successful bike share program.  B-cycle president Bob Burns, Denver Bike Sharing’s Executive Director Parry Burnap, Senior Community Health Specialist Monica Buhlig from title sponsor Kaiser Permanente, and 2010 MLS Champion soccer players Conor Casey (MLS Cup MVP) and Omar Cummings of the Colorado Rapids were also in attendance to kick off another great season.

Essentially, the Denver B-cycle program allows anyone over age 16 with proof of a drivers license the ability to check out a bike from one bike station kiosk and ride it to another station without owning or maintaining the bike.  The program offers yearly memberships, or users can buy one time check-outs which are charged to their credit card starting at $6 for the first 30 minutes.  Unlike traditional bike rentals, it’s relatively hassle free transportation, and with bike station kiosks conveniently located throughout the city most trips are easily ridden in less than 30 minutes.  Additionally, the bikes feature locks for impromptu stops, a basket for stowing gear, a grease free chain guard, adjustable seats, and ample safety lighting.  The bike station kiosks are also very helpful with easily readable maps that show designated routes and bike lanes to other bike station kiosks within the city and the kiosks are also solar powered.

As one of the inaugural cities for the bike share program, Denver’s B-cycle program finished the 2010 season with 500 bikes at 50 different stations in the city.  During the 7 months of operation in 2010, 102,981 rides were recorded for a total of 211,111 ridden miles.  According to a survey of Denver B-cycle members, 43% of these trips replaced car trips which reflected a reduction of 16,000 gallons of gas used, 312,121 pounds of carbon emissions not put into the atmosphere, and 6,333,332 calories burnt to equal 1,810 pounds of weight lost by Denver’s bike commuters.  Not to mention, the miles ridden equaled roughly $41,000 in money not spent on fossil fuels and another $310,000 not spent on parking.

As Mayor Vidal noted, “I’m a bike rider myself and have done Ride the Rockies 9 times in addition to also riding to work.  The growing program of Denver B-cycle proves that our citizens are willing to get on bikes to enjoy the weather (300 sunny days a year) and enjoy the city.  Denver is an up and coming bicycle city, and I think bike riding is one of the most important solutions for our transportation problems in the future.  It’s great for our transportation solutions, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, saves money on gas and parking and helps with the environment.  Denver has set a bar for bike sharing nationally, is moving forward to reduce obesity, lowering carbon emissions and providing affordable transportation.”

During the 4 month winter hibernation, all of the bikes were cleaned, overhauled, fitted with new grips, and received a more sturdy kickstand to enhance user experience.  Additionally, the kiosks were enhanced with new color LCD’s for better usability, and the kiosk computer processors were updated for faster functionality.  “Our goal is to provide the best commuter experience possible for people checking out and riding B-cycles”, said Ken Gart of the Denver Bike Sharing Board. 

Other updates for 2011 include a lowered age from 18 to 16 to encourage bike transportation amongst the younger generation. From opening day through Earth Day, April 22^nd  (B-cycles 1^st birthday), yearly memberships are being sold at the discounted rate of $49.  B-cycle will also continue to offer 7-day, 30-day, and yearly memberships for Denver residents and visitors to the city after that time at normal pricing.  For more information about Denver B-cycle, please visit www.denver.bcycle.com.