DenverBcycle Launched: First Large-Scale Bike-Sharing Program in the United States and DU Campus is Part of the Program

The first large-scale bike-sharing program in the United States is being launched today, Earthday, in Denver. The program will be run by DenverBcycle, which has located dozens of bike stations -- also known as B-stations (for an example, see picture below) -- throughout the city including the University of Denver campus.

The bike-sharing concept, which has been implemented all around Europe including in Barcelona, Brussels, and Paris, is based on the idea that a bike will be available when and where you need it.

According to DenverBcycle,

Bike sharing makes it economical and convenient to use bikes for trips that are too far to walk, but too short to drive. As a member, you can use a B-cycle to run an errand, grab lunch, travel from the bus stop to your office, or just get some fresh air...With your magic red bike, you don't have to look for a parking space or bring your own bike with you everywhere you go.

There are two steps involved in using a bike. First, you must register for the program. Registration costs run from $5 for one day to $45 annually for a student to $65 annually for others. This allows you to check out a bike. Second, there will be a "usage-based" charge. If you use the bike for less than 30 minutes before returning it (to any B-station) there is no cost. From 31-60 minutes the usage cost is $1.10; from 61-90 the cost is $3.30; from 91-120 the cost is $6.60. Thus, as you can see, the program is set up for short trips by bike.

There will be about 50 bikes available around the DU campus. The nearest B-station to the law school is at the Driscoll Center, which is about 100 meters from the front door of the law school. There is also a B-station at the University Light Rail Station, thus making it easy to exit the light rail at the station, check out a bike, ride the .6 mile (1 kilometer), return the bike at Driscoll, and then walk to class.

There are also numerous B-stations all around the city, particularly in the Cherry Creek shopping area and downtown. You can find locations for B-stations by clicking here.

For a short description about how the program will work, please click here.

DenverBcycle is yet another community amenity that will benefit current and future DU students.