Even then, I've probably missed a few. It's become virtually impossible to count them all. If you know of a missing system, mention it in the comments. Furthermore, it's hard to compare the systems on an apples-to-apples basis. The older and larger bikeshare systems rely solely on stations to dock bikes.
But many newer systems don't need docks , or have simple racks instead of docks that serve as hubs. That explains Topeka, which clocks in at number seven on the nationwide list with hubs. But Topeka's an unusual network; it actually has more hubs than bikes. With only about actual bicycles, most of its hubs are usually empty.
The network functions uniquely from any other in the country; even other hub-based systems don't have that kind of ratio. Topeka's urban area is about the same population as Frederick, Maryland, so its system is remarkable no matter what. But it's not actually larger than Philadelphia's. If Topeka were a station-based network, it would probably have around a dozen stations.
The full station list indicates hub-based systems with an asterisk, so you can spot them. Thanks to The Bike-sharing Blog for its excellent resources on worldwide bikeshare locations. Cross-posted at BeyondDC. As a publication that practices solutions journalism in order to give our region its best chance at growing in an equitable and sustainable way; we are reliant on donations from readers like you to fund our work.
Join our Neighborhood! Map of US bikeshare systems. Image by the author. Ten largest US bikeshare systems Rank City Stations 1 New York 2 Chicago 3 Washington 4 Minneapolis 5 Boston 6 Miami 7 Topeka 8 Philadelphia 9 Portland 10 San Diego 95 There's so much bikeshare, and its so diverse, that it's hard to count It's been less than 10 years since the first large-scale bikesharing systems debuted in the United States.
In fact, it can be a singular source of pleasure — few things in life beat whooshing down a hill with the wind in your hair. Biking is also part of a healthy, happy lifestyle. According to the state government of Victoria, Australia , the benefits of regular biking include stronger bones, more flexible joints, lower stress and anxiety levels, lower body fat levels, and better cardiovascular fitness in general.
Depending on where you live, that might not be a problem. Many sizable cities now have bike-share programs that offer affordable short-term rentals throughout a defined geographical area. These may be run by private companies, educational institutions, municipal agencies, or public-private partnerships. The specific features and quirks of bike-share programs vary from place to place, but the overarching goal is always the same: providing a fun, healthy, low-cost transportation option for locals and visitors alike.
In North America, they tend to be affiliated with municipal governments, though some programs, particularly in small college towns, center on university campuses. The typical bike-share has several defining characteristics and features, including station-based bikes and payment systems, membership and pass fees, and per-hour usage fees. Programs are generally intuitive enough for novice users to understand.
Bikes and stations are the most important physical elements of any bike-share program. The actual bikes are typically a standard size, color, and configuration. Colors are usually bright. Branding is often prominent as well, with many programs prominently displaying the corporate logos of big sponsors on the frames. The bikes themselves tend to be bulky more than 40 pounds in some cases , with robust, high-set frames that look very different from typical road or mountain bike frames. In all, bike-share bikes are usually difficult to mistake for regular bikes.
Meanwhile, stations are essentially high-tech bike racks with an adjacent payment kiosk. Each station has a number of docks anywhere from 10 to or more, depending on local traffic volumes used to store and lock bikes. Some cities are moving toward dockless bike-share, which is widely regarded as more user-friendly, but docked stations remain the default in the United States. Depending on the system and your membership status, you either swipe a credit card or insert an electronic key containing your credit card information at the kiosk to unlock and take a bike.
And replacement fees can be hefty. To maintain an even distribution of bikes across the system and ensure open docks at as many stations as possible, program employees move bikes between stations by truck or trailer. Enabling effortless point-to-point riding encourages users to think of bike sharing as a legitimate transportation alternative — an efficient means of commuting, shopping, or visiting friends — rather than a mere recreational tool.
Bike-share programs generally have two different types of user fees, and you typically have to pay both. You must buy either a membership or pass before you can start riding. The second is a usage fee based on the amount of time you actually spend on a bike. Usage fees are typically calculated in increments of 30 or 60 minutes. Generally speaking, memberships are a better deal for people who use their local bike-share program regularly, while passes are better for occasional users and out-of-town visitors.
In exchange for a higher upfront fee, members enjoy lower usage fees each time they ride. For example, Capital Bikeshare in Washington, D. The difference can be stark on longer rides. On the other hand, as is the case with Capital Bikeshare, programs often waive usage fees for the first 30 and, in some cases, 60 minutes of use.
The idea is to encourage relatively short point-to-point trips and reduce aimless riding with the same bike. Returning your bike to a station resets the clock on your ride, even if you immediately check out another bike from the same station. Once you return your bike, your credit card is charged for any time in excess of the free period.
Bike-share programs, particularly those run by municipalities or nonprofits, may not be entirely user-funded. Some programs tap private individuals or local companies to become station sponsors responsible for maintenance, upkeep, and repairs at one or more hubs. Programs might also receive grants from local transportation authorities, municipal governments, or private companies. If you can avoid incurring excessive usage fees, you come out ahead with a bike-share.
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