Updates from SA's State & Local Committee

Bike Sharing: Possibilities

Lee Jones from B-Cycle presented at the Transportation Board yesterday.  State and Local Grandorff was in attendance took notes from his presentation and Q&A.

B-cycle is a private bike sharing program.  Bikes are kept at stations like this:

These stations can be AC or Solar powered.  They feature Wi-Fi where users can access their personal page on the B-Cycle website, which keeps trak of data such as distance, duration, calories burned and carbon offset thanks to technology included on each bike.  The stations can hold 3-24 bikes each.

The actual bikes are versitile in design, with a three speed hand grip shift,  low mid section, basket for laptops, and security features like adjustable but not removable seats, security screws for the tires, and a lock for rider stops.  Head and tail lights are powered by the rider, and they stay active for up to three minutes after the rider has stopped (great for stop lights).

How it works is that each user has a card (initially obtained at the station mentioned above) that they insert at any station, choose the bike they want from the dock, and go.  Bikes can be returned at any station.

“B-cycle members can access the system using their B-connected card…
Both B-cycle members and walk-up riders gain immediate access to the system upon approval.” B-Knowledge

The Costs of starting a program like this would be approximately $3500 per bike.  To pay for this, charges and advertising are viable options.  Estimated annual pricing options are as follows:

Annual Individual: $50

Annual Student: $30

Additionally, walk-ups pay a fee using a credit card. The card is debited for the minimum amount, as well as ensuring an available balance just in case the bike is not returned.

Maintanence is usually provided through a service agreement with a 3rd party (like the local bike shop).  Same goes for overflow issues (e.g. if all the bikes end up at one location).

The system can be open or closed, meaning (for example) that access can be limited to only SDSU students and personnel or not at all.

While this sounds like a great option, I would also like to encourage everyone to search out other and similar programs.  For example, TusBic provides many of the same features, only requires a deposit and does not charge users.

Please reply with any questions, suggestions, or concerns!