Though long popular in Europe, bike-sharing services have only more recently made their way stateside. As people look to reduce their carbon footprint, minimize their cost of commuting and generally lead more active lives, bike-sharing services have become a cost-effective and forward-thinking component of infrastructure for countless U.S. cities. Here’s a look at some of the best biking cities from coast to coast.
New York
It should come as no surprise that the Big Apple features the country’s largest bike-share program. Currently at roughly 6,000 bikes, this past July the system announced it was doubling to a staggering 12,000 bikes. And with over 20 million miles ridden using the system, it’s clear that New Yorkers have made their appreciation known.
citibikenyc.com
Washington, D.C.
Capital, as the capital city’s bike-share service is known, has the distinction of being the oldest in North America, founded in 2008. With more than 200 stations and 1,600 bicycles available for use, the service is a favorite way for D.C.’s movers, shakers and tourists alike to get around in a town known for its unpredictable, heavy beltway traffic.
capitalbikeshare.com
Chicago
4,760 bikes make up the Windy City’s bike-share system, which is known as Divvy. Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the system takes advantage of the city’s famously logical gridded system of city blocks, which means it’s an ease to navigate for veterans and the uninitiated alike.
divvybikes.com
Boston
Okay, so when we say Boston’s Hubway system, what we really mean is multiple cities in the region all trying to make bike-sharing the future of the area. Connecting Boston proper with Cambridge, Brookline, and Somerville, the service has become a favorite for those trying to avoid some of the pitfalls of driving, like the city’s famously draconian parking laws.
thehubway.com
San Francisco
Though SF’s current bike-share system is quite small at just 700 bikes, it announced this year a coming 10-fold increase to over 7,000 bikes starting in the summer of 2016. Despite being a city that’s known for its precipitous hills, a strong bicycling-oriented infrastructure means that getting around town is easier and safer than ever.
bayareabikeshare.com
For other commuting options, have a look here.
