Riders who were expecting to see B-cycle’s bikes back on the streets Tuesday are going to have to wait another two weeks before they can rent one of the trademark red rides.
Denver B-cycle has pushed back the return of its 500-bike fleet to March 14, citing a need to further test the changes made to station kiosks since they went on hiatus back in December.
“We invested a lot into improved screen technology and kiosk intelligence, so we wanted to test everything to make sure it’s all working well,” said Parry Burnap, executive director of Denver Bike Sharing, the nonprofit that owns and operates Denver B-cycle.
Riders had previously complained that the kiosks occasionally dropped connections and the touch screens were slow to respond, so B-cycle made it a priority to address those concerns.
B-cycle has also lowered the age limit for riders to 16 with a driver’s license.
“I’m excited about this because we’re trying to create a new way of thinking about transportation, and now we can intervene with a young driver and change their habits,” Burnap said. “We want them to think of bikes as a way to get around, not just as a fun ride.”
As part of that effort, Burnap said, B-cycle officials may keep the program open year-round if they can afford it.
“We’re trying to change transportation behavior, and it sends a mixed signal when we shut down,” Burnap said.
A similar program is in the works in Boulder. Boulder B-cycle is hoping to open May 20 with 25 stops and 200 bikes and will have stations around Pearl Street and the Twenty Ninth Street mall.
Boulder B-cycle does not have any stations planned near the University of Colorado for 2011 but hopes to eventually expand to the campus.
“Our challenge is to do the job properly and try to really get the community familiar with the program before we begin tackling a 30,000-student campus,” said Lewis Wolman, the executive director of Boulder B-cycle. “But we have spoken to the university, and they are interested in joining us for the 2012 season.”
Both programs said they plan to set up a reciprocity between the two. Those who have Denver B-cycle memberships would be able to borrow bikes in Boulder and vice versa.
“The goal is that somebody could rent a bike in Denver to get to Union Station, catch the bus to Boulder, and then use that same card to rent a bike in Boulder,” Burnap said.
Mitchell Byars: 303-954-1698 or mbyars@denverpost.com
