Exploring Bike Share

Bike share programs are becoming popular and might be popping up in a community near you. Within the last few years, the cities of Greenville and Spartanburg have invested in bike share programs, creating another way for people to move around and have fun in the upstate. Spartanburg launched its system in 2011, having bragging rights of being the first bike share system in the southeastern region of the country. Greenville launched their program in early 2013, with stations located near downtown, neighborhoods and near the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Greenville Bike Share Station

Bike share is a program where bicycles are available for public use for a minimal charge. Stations are located at various destinations, and riders/users can ride around running errands and touring local sites on two-wheels. Bike share works because people feel safe using it, it’s inexpensive and it’s convenient. It’s another part of the alternative transportation system. It’s another way to have fun and get just a little bit of exercise.

The New Yorker cover. May 2013

People who use bike share aren’t the lycra crowd. (Or, maybe they are, but they probably aren’t donning their bicycle-super-racer gear.) They are everyday folks dressed in everyday attire. The bikes generally have baskets to store your purse, phone or whatever other things that you carry with you. They also come with locks, so there’s no worry about the bike being stolen if a docking station isn’t nearby. They are light enough to ride without working up a sweat. They are meant to be easy to use. 

I am interested to hear your thoughts on bike share:  what you liked, didn't like, what surprised you.  If you see a bike share station, use or have used a bike share bike, please share that experience in the comments!