When Bike Sharing systems first appeared across North American cities, a wave of excitement washed over me. Having seen firsthand how bike sharing revolutionized urban life in Europe, offering a swift and easy transit solution for short city hops, I understood the potential. A friend who had experienced Paris’s system described it as “a completely new form of public transportation, but on two wheels.”
Yet, the idea of personally using a bike from those automated stations seemed distant. Weren’t they designed for people without their own bikes? With several bikes already in my garage, why would I ever consider paying for a bike sharing service?
I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
In the four years since bike sharing became a reality in Minneapolis, my hometown, I’ve come to realize the myriad advantages of having immediate access to a bicycle, no matter where I am. Think about those moments when you arrive somewhere on foot, by bus, or in a friend’s car and then wish to cycle back home. Or when your companions are ready to leave earlier – or later – than you are, or perhaps heading in a different direction altogether. Bike sharing is also incredibly useful when you’ve cycled somewhere and unexpectedly need a bike for a friend who joined you.
However, the true value of bike sharing truly hit home during my travels.
The sheer brilliance of being able to jump on a bike in any city I found myself in first struck me during a trip to Ottawa, Ontario. With only a few hours before departing, I was eager to explore the city’s attractions. Quickly, I realized that walking wouldn’t allow me to see much. Contemplating the expense and trouble of renting a car, I suddenly noticed a bike sharing station. Eureka!
With a quick swipe of my credit card, I was effortlessly gliding through downtown Ottawa, around Parliament Hill, alongside the scenic Rideau Canal, visiting the bustling historic market, admiring Notre Dame cathedral, stopping for lunch in Chinatown, and even crossing the river to explore the Quebec side.
Since that Ottawa revelation, bike sharing has amplified the enjoyment of both my vacations and work trips. In Washington D.C., it allowed me to easily reach the National Zoo. In Brookline, Massachusetts, I explored charming historic neighborhoods, including John F. Kennedy’s childhood home. In Boulder, Colorado, I discovered a picturesque creekside trail leading to a cutting-edge bike park. Des Moines, Iowa, revealed to me a vibrant old Italian district, and in Kansas City, Missouri, I stumbled upon fascinating art galleries and lively brewpubs. Beyond leisure, I’ve also saved valuable time and money by using bike sharing to commute to business meetings.
There’s a unique sense of immersion when you pedal through a new city. You feel connected to the place, far more than just an observer behind the glass of a car or bus. You become part of the urban landscape.
Now, as bike sharing systems rapidly expand across the continent, more of us will have these fantastic opportunities to explore and experience the places we visit, in a truly engaging and personal way. Bike sharing isn’t just for tourists or those without bikes; it’s a smart, convenient, and enjoyable option for everyone seeking to navigate and discover their surroundings.
