San Antonio.- San Antonio’s B-Cycle program is quickly growing! By the end of the year, the program hopes to expand to 50 stations and 500 bikes available for use. This is the newest kiosk completed at Ace Mart on S. St. Mary’s.(Photo, Amanda Lozano)
B-cycle is one of the first large-scale municipal bike sharing systems in the United States. The nonprofit organization has made it a goal to help San Antonio become a greener more eco friendly city.
“This is a really fun program, and it’s a great alternative to driving cars, especially downtown where the parking is so bad,” Cindi Snell, Chief Share director for B-Cycle said. “Not only that, riding bike’s really good for your health and the environment. With Spring around the corner this would be a perfect time to try out the program.”
For those that don’t know how B-Cycle works, here is a rundown: Bikes are available at “stations” located all across San Antonio. The stations are located at popular places such as Market Square and Pearl Brewery. You ride the bike to places you need to go, and drop it off at another station. Usually intended for trips of 30 minutes or less, there are options to buy a yearly or 24 -hour memberships. Do note that a credit card is needed to be able to use the kiosks.
A bike sharing program might seem like something out of the ordinary in town, as many chastise the city unsafe for cyclists. That is not the case, however! With over 250 bikes available for use, San Antonio’s B-Cycle program has become the second busiest bike lending program in the nation, and is quickly growing!
B-Cycle is pleased to announce five new stations on Thursday. They will be placed at The San Antonio Zoo, The Witte Museum, Tripoint on N. St. Mary’s Street, The Amtrak Station and Ace Mart on S St. Mary’s Street.
Since its beginnings in March 2011, B-Cycle now has 1,600 yearly members, 73,256 trips, 270,527 miles driven, and over 12 million calories burned. With the new stations being placed, B-Cycle will have 35 available stations. By the end of the year, the program hopes to expand to 50 stations and 500 bikes available for use.
“We have only seen progress. The program has been a success and we are very thankful to the community for accepting and responding to B-cycle. We are only seeing an increase in usage of bikes, and we hope to keep on growing,” Daniel Trevino, Operations Manager for B-Cycle said.
For more information on B-Cycle, call (210) 281-0101 or visit www.bcycle.com
Amanda Lozano is an intern at La Prensa de San Antonio. She may be reached at amanda@laprensasa.com.
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