NYC Bike-Share Program Launches in July

[mark1447]

New York City says it's launching a bike-sharing program in July.

 

By next year, it plans to have 10,000 bikes at 600 docking stations around the city.

 

There's no cost to taxpayers. The program is being sponsored by Citigroup.

 

Under the "Citi Bike" program, people can pay a $95 annual fee to ride the blue, 3-speed bikes.

 

For annual members, rides of up to 45 minutes will be free. They'll be automatically billed a set rate for longer rides.

 

Short-term users, including tourists, will be able to sign up, too.

 

Officials are hoping people will use the bikes for quick rides from point to point.

 

Anyone who has a bike stolen while en route will be charged $1,000.

 

Video:

 

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Citi-Bike-New-York-City-Bicycle-Sharing-Program-July-Docking-Stations-Citigroup-150496785.html

 

NYTimes version: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/08/nyregion/new-york-cycle-sharing-gets-a-name-citi-bike.html

 

Website: http://citibikenyc.com/

[Via Garibaldi 8]

This program is a rip-off big time, especially if you're renting for the day. I can spend $50.00 and get around the city for an entire week with a Metrocard, and spend $85.00 to get around the city for a day on a bike nonetheless?? Citibank was smart in taking up this program. If they've got a few morons dumb enough to pay their rip-off prices, they'll make off like bandits.

[KeystoneRegional]

I'd be buying a premium $200-$300 bike from a Year's worth of renting and travels, simply this is built for tourism and leisure biking and for people who have limited room in their homes [specifically condos, co-ops and other forms of apartments].

[theaveragejoe]

This program has worked well in Montreal and Toronto

[mark1447]

Here's a link to the Map of where these stations would be placed:

 

http://transportationnation.org/2012/05/11/nyc-bike-share-maps-are-live/

 

Direct:

 

http://a841-tfpweb.nyc.gov/bikeshare/station-map/

[CDTA]

Meh, I would rather buy my own bike.

[SunCycles]

An annual membership would come in under $100, and lets be serious here; how far can you go on a bike in 45 mins? Pretty far in NYC. I think its a great idea and it should be implemented soon after the water from Hurricane Sandy is off the streets.