Rental bicycles coming to Boston?

June 26, 9:26 AMBoston Green Business ExaminerAmy Kreydin

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Boston grows more bike-friendly, is it ready for a share program?

BikeNow is hoping to bring a fleet of bicycles to Boston, if they can get the financial backing. Following recent trends of rent-a-bike fleets, BikeNow could be a great program for the Boston, Cambridge and Brookline areas.

How Does B-cycle Work?

According to B-cycle's website the fleet of bikes will be available at solar-powered kiosks, available to rent when needed. The renter simply uses his membership card or credit card to rent out a bike and returns it when he's done.

Denver has already jumped on board with B-cycle and plans are underway for a 500 bike fleet to be setup around the city. Both locals and tourists will be able to rent a bike for a half hour or more.

Is Boston Ready for a Bike Share Program?

Boston is become more bike-friendly as commuters are learning to share the roads. Known for being a very walkable city, bicycling is a good form of transportation for Bostonians. A nightmare for some drivers, getting around the narrow and one-way streets are much easier to navigate by bike than by car.

The city is even supporting peddle-powered commutes through programs like Bike Fridays. Boston may very well be ready to see a bike share program similar to the ever-popular Zipcar vehicle sharing program.

Sources:

• BikeNow proposes a fleet of rental bikes in Boston, MassHighTech, June 26, 2009
• Bcycle.com
• Bike-sharing program coming to Denver, The Denver Post, January 24, 2009
  
• Image: Michal Zacharzewski