How to Use Citi Bike? In a city where even buses are double-decker, you’d be forgiven for thinking that New Yorkers would never take to cycling as an everyday means of transport. But it’s actually not that crazy an idea.
Many cities around the world have shown that bike share schemes are a viable way of getting about without using your own car. There are now similar programs in more than 300 cities worldwide, with new ones popping up all the time.
Citi Bike is a public bicycle sharing system accessible throughout much of Manhattan south of 96th Street and in parts of Brooklyn above Hamilton Avenue.
It’s operated by Motivate, which also runs successful programs in Washington D.C., Boston, Seattle, and other major cities around the country and the world.
105,465 members
In May 2016, Citi Bike had 105,465 annual members and 467 active stations. They offset an estimated 1.4 million pounds of carbon emissions with their bicycle rides.
Citi Bike members are motivated by convenience, health, and helping the environment. The program’s new app enables you to easily find and enroll in a bike membership.
Membership benefits include unlimited, 45-minute rides. A basic membership costs $5 a month. The service is available in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Jersey City.
There are also discounted membership rates for people on low or fixed incomes and those who are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
467 active stations
According to recent figures, the number of annual members of Citi Bike has increased to 105,465 in May 2016. The service now has 467 active stations, and rides have offset over 1.4 million pounds of carbon emissions.
Riders use the service for fun, convenience, and health, but many also want to help the environment.
The system extends to nearby Jersey City and Hoboken. Annual members of Citi Bike are able to use any of the 467 stations in the city.
The service has more than 21,000 bicycles, including 21,500 Citi Bike Classic bikes and e-bikes. Residents of Jersey City and Hoboken can also avail of a $5 monthly membership.
Day pass vs. single ride
The Citi bike day pass costs $15 and gives you access to unlimited rides for a 24-hour period. Each additional 15-minute ride costs an additional $4.
You can choose to purchase a pass online or in the Citi Bike mobile app. Each rider needs to use a separate passcode.
Day passes are cheaper than single rides and are great if you are able to navigate the city. It is also cheaper if you can find the next Citi Station to dock your bike. Depending on how long you plan to ride, a Day Pass is the most affordable option.
Docking stations
If you’ve been riding your Citi Bike on the street and have run out of space, there are plenty of places to leave your bike. The Citi Bike app makes it easy to find a docking station and includes a detailed map.
Using the app, you can find the closest station to your location. Then, all you have to do is return your bike to a nearby station. Once you’re done, simply pay for the ride on your credit card or debit card.
The company is also working with city agencies to improve the charging process for electric Citi Bikes. Currently, the city has a 20% cap on electric Citi Bikes, but the Department of Transportation has been open to streamlining the process.
This new partnership with Lyft could help the city’s e-bike fleet reduce its environmental impact and increase access to affordable, reliable e-bikes.
Checking your bike before riding
Before riding a Citi Bike, you need to ensure that it is in good working condition. It’s best to check all parts before use, including the seat, brakes, tires, and gears. If you notice anything wrong, get it adjusted as soon as possible. If the bike is not working properly, make sure to dock it immediately.
To do this, you need to press the wrench icon on the bike docking station and choose a different bike. Also, remember to wear a helmet. The helmet should fit comfortably on your head and should have no bulges or cuts.
If you are riding a Citi Bike near a hub, check the kiosk to see if there’s an open dock before you go there. If the dock is busy, you should ask for extra time. Generally, docks near major hubs are busier than others.
Paying for a ride
Before using Citi Bike, you’ll need to sign up for a subscription. You can choose to pay for a monthly, yearly, or single ride. If you choose the latter, you can use the app to pay for your ride.
The app shows you where bikes are located, the price, and a QR code to unlock them. If you’re a member, you’ll also receive a member key to unlock the bike.
If you’re planning on using the bike frequently, you should consider purchasing an annual pass or a short-term pass. Both options are relatively inexpensive.
A short-term membership costs $15 and lets you ride for a week. You can also use a Citi Bike for an entire day, which is great if you use it every day.
Conclusion
Growing up in New York City, I have stayed in the Citi Bike system more often than not and have come to rely on it as a convenient, low-cost way to get around town. When you live in a dense area where the Citi Bikes are everywhere, it can be difficult to remember the location of the nearest station.
Luckily, I have found a couple of tools that help me keep track of where the bikes are nearby. First, take advantage of the Citi Bike application that is available on Android and iOS – download it here if you don’t already have it. If you need to get around without your phone, there will be a special sign on your bike that you can check for your nearest station.
In addition to helping you find nearby stations, the app will show you how many bikes are available at each location and how many trips have been completed using bikes in that area. You can also set up your account with your email address and get alerts when new stations open up.
GPS on Bikes If you need greater accuracy, you can also use a real-time GPS tracker to track the location of your Citi Bike.
The app will only work while you have your bike in travel mode and will only show you the location when you unlock your phone with the same passcode that you use to unlock your bike. This means that you will have to remember to take your phone along
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