Cycle Town

Borrow a bike for free: First 90 minutes of Houston's new bike share program aregratis

Bike Houston president Darren Saborn poses with one of the new public bikes fromthe B-cylcle program.
Photo by Katya Horner
LEFT TO RIGHT: State legislators Carol Alvarado and Rodney Ellis; Annise Parker,Downtown District director Bob Eury and Bike Barn owner Neil Bremner
Photo by Tyler Rudick
"I expect to announce a trails initiative soon that will go to the ballot thisNovember," Parker told CultureMap. "We're working with the parks board onpossible bio-greenways right now."
Photo by Tyler Rudick
The bike share program is open for business with a trio of bike racks at CityHall, Market Square and the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Photo by Richard J. Carson

A group of about 40 city officials and reporters burst into applause Wednesday afternoon as Annise Parker turned the corner onto McKinney and locked her bike at the kiosk in front of City Hall.

"This was a nice, smooth ride," the mayor smiled to the crowd, showing off the inaugural fleet of public bicycles from the city's new bike share program, known as Houston B-cycle.

Funded with $100,000 of federal stimulus dollars from an EPA Climate Showcase grant, the pilot program is officially open for business with a trio of bike racks at City Hall, Market Square and the George R. Brown Convention Center.

"Imagine hopping on a bike and going from museum to museum without having to worry about parking, " Parker said.

"I'm excited to be out here today now that it's officially launch day for the Houston B-cycle," Parker said in her speech. "Currently we're just in the downtown area . . . We hope it will be embraced by Houstonians, as it has been in other cities, and that we'll be able to expand the system."

From 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday, users can slide a credit card or B-cycle pass through the solar-powered kiosks for a 3-speed Trek cruiser to ride throughout the area. The first 90 minutes are free. Thereafter, it's $2 for each additional half hour with a maximum daily charge of $55. Those hoping to take full advantage of the service can purchase an annual membership for only $50.

A statement released from the city notes the initiative will start with 18 bicycles at three stations with plans to increase it to 200 bikes at more that 20 kiosks across Houston.

After remarks by state legislators Rodney Ellis and Carol Alvarado as well as by B-cycle president Bob Burns and Bike Houston president Darren Saborn, Parker spoke with CultureMap about the possible locations of upcoming share stations.

"The Washington Avenue corridor seems absolutely right for this," she said. "The museum area would be great too. Imagine hopping on a bike and going from museum to museum without having to worry about parking.

"It's perfect."

Parker was optimistic about the future of cycling throughout the city.

"These days, you can drive down Allen Parkway and Memorial and see all the trails going in," she said. "I expect to announce a trails initiative soon that will go to the ballot this November. We're working with the parks board on possible bio-greenways right now."

The mayor added that she hopes to include the location of the new paths and bike trails in the announcement.

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This Week's Hot Headlines

Shaq surprises Houston restaurant with $1,000 tip and more top stories

Courtesy of Ninfa's

Shaquille O'Neal had lunch at Ninfa's Uptown.

Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, starting with a surprise visit — and big tip — from Shaq. Plus, Houston ranks among America's most overpriced cities, and rents rise in Sugar Land. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then find the best things to do this weekend here.

1. Shaquille O'Neal leaves $1,000 tip at Houston Tex-Mex institution. NBA Hall of Famer and media personality Shaquille O’Neal surprised the crowd at The Original Ninfa’s Uptown when he stopped by for lunch, posing for pics and leaving a very big tip.

2. Veteran Houston bartender shakes up the Heights with new tropical bar. The woman behind your favorite bartender’s favorite bar has quietly opened a new cocktail spot in the Heights. Called Berwick’s Birds of Paradise, it’s the latest project from Double Trouble owner Robin Berwick.

Berwick's Birds of Paradise bar Robin Berwick Owner Robin Berwick took inspiration from hotel bars for BBOP. Photo by Vivian Leba

3. Houston is one of America's most overpriced cities, study finds. In what may come as a surprise to some local residents, a new study ranks Houston among the 10 most overpriced cities in America.

4. This Houston suburb had the highest apartment rent prices in June. Apartment rent prices in June were more expensive in Sugar Land than anywhere else in Houston, according to the latest monthly rent report from Zumper.

5. Houston influencer opens an antiques-filled boutique hotel in Montrose. 109 Stratford Street in Historic East Avondale has recently opened as a nine-room boutique hotel, The Marlene Inn, from owner and Instagram influencer Lily Barfield.