CitiBike The Individual Transportation System of New York City

CitiBike The Individual Transportation System of New York.
Madrid, Mexico city, Paris… and many cities have joined and propose the bicycle as a reliable transportation for the big city. Now, New York has its own system named Citi Bike.
Since May 27^th 2013, you can rent a bike to ride NYC.
All you need to know before riding a CitiBike is in here.

Pricing

There are 4 options :
– Annual Membership fee: $169.
– 3-day Access pass: $24.
– 24 hours Access pass: $12
– Single ride: $3 for up to 30 minutes.

For how long can I use a Citibike?

This point is fundamental, because CitiBike has some inconveniences too. 🙁

You can use a bike for 45 minute periods if you purchase the Annual membership, and only 30 minutes with the 3 days &amp and 24 hours passes.

For example:
If you stay in New York for 1 week, and you decide to purchase the 3 days pass, you take your bike at 11:22 in Union Square, you will have to return the bike before 11:52 at any citibike location.

What happens if you return the bike late?

With the Annual membership:
-You’ll pay an extra $2,50 per additional 15 minutes.

With the 24h or 3 days pass:
After 30 minutes of use, you will pay $4 late fee for every 15 minutes period.

What happens if you don’t return the bike within the first 24 hours?

If you don’t return a Citi bike to one of the station locations in New York (or you don’t Re-dock correctly) after 24 hours, Citibike will consider it stolen, and that will cost you up to $1200, plus administration fees charged to your credit card.

How to Re-dock your bike?
Firmly push the bike into the dock and wait to see a green light appear on the dock to confirm it’s been properly locked.

What can you do if the Station is full?

Select “Request Time Credit” on the start screen of the kiosk. You will have 15 minutes added to your time at no charge to find a nearby station with available docks.

How to purchase the Annual membership?

You need to be at least 18 years old and own a credit card. Then you have to activate your account in the Citibike website and wait for a few days for your code.

How to purchase the 24h and 3 days pass?

You need a credit card. Once you are registered, they will take a deposit (101 USD) per bike. The deposit will be refunded within 10 days after the last day you use the Citibike.

How to unlock a Citibike?

Once you made the payment, swipe your credit card into the Citibike dock, it will display a 5-digit code.
Then type the 5-digit code in one of the screens at the bike docks.
This code will be valid for only 5 minutes. If you take more than 5 minutes, you need to repeat the process again to have a new code.

How is the bike design?

Both rugged and easy to use, Citi bike was built for simple trips in the city.
It has an integrated 3-speed shifter, upright bars, comfy saddle and adjustable seatpost, reflectors and self-powered lights, protective rack, pesponsive brakes and a sturdy frame.

Do you have to wear a helmet?

No, helmets are not mandatory for 13 years old and more in NY and for 17 years old and mode in New Jersey. However, they are recommended for everyone.

When can you use a Citibike?

The Citibikes are available 24/7.

How many Citibike station locations are in NYC?

Sponsored by a private company, and more precisely by Citibank, the program Citibike owns 12000 bikes split in 750 stations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey.

Here’s the map with all the station locations. https://member.citibikenyc.com/map/.

Is there a map for bike paths in New York?

Of course! Download any map you need:

2019 NYC map: download here.
Staten Island Map: download here.
Bike Smart brochure: download here.

Is there an app for IPhone or Android?

Yes, there is an app for each one.

Citi Bike iPhone app: 

Citi Bike Android app:

Citi Bike official website: http://citibikenyc.com/

Extra NYCTT

I found a “tutorial” with Tyrone Williams to show how to ride the Citi Bikes.