10Best: Bike-share programs to tour great cities
Forget a rental car or a taxi: The best way for travelers to explore a city is often on two wheels. And with more than 50 U.S. municipalities offering bike-share programs, it has never been easier for visitors to take to the streets, says Paul DeMaio, a transportation consultant and co-author of the Bike-sharing Blog. "You're getting to see the sights, see how the city functions and you're able to cover more ground than by simply walking." Systems typically allow visitors to rent bikes with a credit card and return them at any station in the operating area. DeMaio shares with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY some of the nation's best and busiest bike-shares.
Citi Bike
New York
It's no surprise that the nation's largest city has the most popular bike-share program, with more than 6,000 cycles available. "It has gotten tremendous usage. It's a wonderful way to see the city," DeMaio says. And if the idea of biking through Manhattan traffic has you skittish, not to worry. "New York has put in bike lanes right through Times Square and really nice north-south routes. And you can go on a long ride uninterrupted in Central Park." 855-245-3311; citibikenyc.com
Capital Bikeshare
Washington, D.C., region
With flat terrain and wide open greenspace, the D.C. area is a natural for a bike-sharing program. "Three of the most used stations are on the National Mall," says DeMaio, who manages the program for neighboring Arlington County, Va. Other participating municipalities include the District, Alexandria, Va., and Montgomery County, Md. "You can get from your hotel room to all the major tourist sites even if you're not in downtown." 877-430-2453; capitalbikeshare.com
Divvy
Chicago
Chicago's bike-share program was inspired by a 2007 visit to Paris by then-mayor Richard M. Daley. The Windy City's bike-share program has taken off since its 2013 launch, operating even on the coldest days—although it did briefly shut down during last year's polar vortex. While the most popular stations are around the Loop, riders also can pedal along Lake Michigan and beyond. "It will really get you around downtown Chicago and the neighborhoods," DeMaio says. 855-553-4889; divvybikes.com
Austin B-cycle
Texas
Oil-rich Texas has embraced bike-sharing in a big way, and the state capital has one of the biggest and most popular programs. Last year at the South by Southwest festival, the system broke bike-share records with 10 rides per bike per day. "It was really, really busy," DeMaio says. 512-954-1665; austin.bcycle.com
Nice Ride Minnesota
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
With a network of cycling paths and eager riders, Minneapolis ranks among the top cities for biking and bike commuting. So it's no surprise its sharing program has found a loyal following. "It's a good way to get from downtown on trails to the University of Minnesota," DeMaio says. Still, tough winters do take their toll: The system closes December through March. 877-551-6423; niceridemn.org
Hubway
Boston region
With its wealth of students and tourists, Boston's bike-share system has found a loyal following in the city and nearby towns of Brookline, Cambridge and Somerville. Indeed, its most popular station is on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus. The system even offers subsidized bike-share memberships to low-income residents and to those with weight or health issues if prescribed by a doctor from Boston Medical Center. 855-948-2929; thehubway.com
Bay Area Bike Share
San Francisco region
This large program serves five non-contiguous communities -- San Francisco, San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View and Redwood City -- making it one of the most ambitious regional systems in the country. San Francisco visitors can bike along the bayfront, while commuters use bikes to pedal from train stations to their Silicon Valley offices. 855-480-2453; bayareabikeshare.com
Denver B-cycle
Bike-sharing made a big splash with a demonstration project during the 2008 national presidential conventions here and in Minneapolis. Since its launch in 2010, the current program has taken off in this city known for its active residents. This past football season, the Denver Broncos even offered bike valet service to fans who arrived at games on a bike-share. 303-825-3325; denver.bcycle.com
Charlotte B-cycle, N.C.
The program's 24 stations focus on downtown and surrounding neighborhoods and parks. Program operator B-cycle, which is owned by Trek Bicycles, has operations in over 40 North and South American cities, and many memberships are reciprocal, meaning visiting riders are eligible for local usage rates. 704-332-9585; charlotte.bcycle.com
Bike Chattanooga, Tenn.
This vibrant small city boasts the largest bike-share system in the Southeast, with 300 cycles and 33 docking stations. Visitors, many who come for the award-winning aquarium, museums and rock climbing, find it an easy way to get around town and explore the greenway along the Tennessee River. 888-925-4415; bikechattanooga.com