Earl takes an “up close and personal look” at the new Citi Bike docking station.
As the sun rose this morning and illuminated our sleepy street, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Fortunate, east-facing residents, like us, rushed to our windows, peered down the block and gazed at a wondrous site: the gleaming row of 30 new, bright-blue Citi Bikes parked neatly along a quiet lane–just a short distance from our homes.
My heart leaped!
“Hurray!” I shouted, “They’re finally here!”– as if they were shiny, new toys!
In essence, they were.
I mean, how convenient this is! And so close to home!
What an amazing gift–right in our own backyard!
Now I can easily pedal home from the far west side of town to the east side, go downtown or uptown–or wherever I want to go–between Citi Bike stations!
For me, Citi Bike means:
• No more long waits for the very slow–and often missing–cross town bus.
• No more riding the bus instead of “biking” across town.
• No more lame excuses for not getting enough physical activity.
• No more excuses for not biking more often.
• No more excuses for not getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
• No more excuses for not going to Whole Foods across town.
• Now more excuses for not going to the Farmer’s Market.
• No more guilt for not going to my spinning class more often.
• Now I have convenient, cost-effective access to a better, healthier transportation option–generally a short walk from most subways stops and heavily-frequented destinations!
Life just got a little sweeter thanks to Citi Bike–sponsored by Citi Bank and operated by NYC Bike Share.
Get Started. Ride. Return.
It’s that simple! Each Citi Bike Station kiosk summarizes the key details and steps you need to ride away with ease.
Station locations are based on population and transit needs, and were selected through a participatory public input process.
Picture this: According to Citi Bike, ”
“With 600 planned locations in New York,
there’ll be more
Citi Bike stations than tattoo parlors.”
Citi Bike Launch Highlights
To be perfectly honest, I was very curious about the Citi Bike stations, but a closer inspection would have to wait until we finished a long, leisurely lunch at a popular outdoor cafe. This turned out to be the perfect perch from which to witness Citi Bikes in action on the streets. After we had our fill of food and fun, Earl and I strolled down the road to satisfy our curiosity and inspect the closer of two Citi Bike stations in our neighborhood.
Launch day has finally arrived!
Each station has a touch screen kiosk.
A row of 30, new bright-blue Citi Bikes await riders.
The docking system releases bikes for rental with a membership key, card or “ride” code.
Neighbors checking out Citi Bikes at the local station.
Citi Bike in motion in the bike lane.
Another happy, launch day rider!
Important safety rules and tips are printed right in the center of the handlebars.
Each Citi Bike Sation Kiosk summarizes the key things you need to ride away with ease.
Get Started. Ride. Return. What could be easier?
It Pays to Join
Unfortunately, I could not ride a Citi Bike today, because I am not an annual member yet and only annual members received keys to unlock Citi Bikes on Launch Day. My next move will be to go online and join Citi Bike as an annual member, so I can enjoy the convenience of unlimited access to Citi Bikes all over the city–wherever stations are located.
Begining June 2, riders will be able to to purchase a 24-Hour or 7-Day Pass from any Citi Bike station.
The Essentials
Citi Bikes are available 24/7, 365 days a year.
(You must be 16 or older to ride a Citi Bike.)
You can unlock a bike from any station.
Each station has a touch screen kiosk, a map of the service area and surrounding neighborhood, and a docking system that releases bikes for rental with a card or key.
Convenient Usage Options:
If you plan to be a frequent rider, it will be more convenient to join Citi Bike as an Annual Member for $95/yr at citibikenyc.com/signup
As an annual member, to unlock a bike simply dip your own unique key into the key slot at any dock with an available bike.
Another option is to purchase a 24-Hour or 7-Day Pass from any Citi Bike station. Note: A $101 security hold will be placed on your credit or debit card for every pass you purchase (you may purchase up to two Passes per card).
To unlock a bike, 24-Hour and 7-Day Pass holders can print their ride code at the kiosk after they buy a Pass. Type the code into the 3-digit keypad on any dock with an available bike.
Download the App
Take your Citi Bike experience to the next level by using the free Citi Bike app. Download the app today.
For complete details, station location maps and answers to your questions, visit the Citi Bike Web Site: www.citibikenyc.com
Do you live in a city with a Bike Share Program? Do you participate in a Bike Share program? What do you think about these programs?
Share your thoughts, comments, experiences or suggestions with us.
For safety’s sake please wear a helmet when you bike. And happy cycling!
Thank you so much for your comment. You are so right about that. I noticed that most of the riders I saw today did not wear helmets. This has been a controversial topic among bike share program coordinators and cities with bike share programs. Helmets are not mandatory for Citi Bike riders, but they are hightly-recommended. In fact, free or discounted helmets are available at some bike shops and through programs sponsored by the Department of Transportation.
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This is a great idea! Have you tried them out yet? Happy biking!
Having easy access to bikes has changed my life. I am so pleased that we have four bike racks within 2-3 blocks of our building. Thanks a lot for sharing your comments.
I love this. I hope we get some on the west coast.
Yes, I hope you do get a bike share program in your area. Having easy access to bikes has changed our lives in this city. Thanks for sharing your comments.