What is Citi Bike?

Hello! This is Maegami from the blog “Megami’s Fringes.” Have you ever used Citi Bike while living in New York City?

Citi Bike is a bike-sharing service provided by New York City, allowing users to rent bikes and return them to any nearby station instead of bringing them back to the original station. This means you don’t need to worry about parking your bike or the risk of theft!

Ride the Citi Bike Through Central Park!

If you haven’t already, check out my article on biking through the beautiful bike lanes of Central Park! Explore Central Park’s Bike Lanes

Electric Citi Bikes: A Must-Try Option

For those who want a more effortless ride, Citi Bike also offers electric bikes (e-bikes). New York City has many hills, and using an electric bike can make your ride much easier!

Benefits of Using Citi Bike

The biggest advantage of Citi Bike is that you can “dock and go” – you can rent a bike and drop it off at any station, which makes it super convenient for short trips around the city. It’s especially handy when traveling to areas that are far from subway stations, such as locations on the west or east sides of Manhattan.

How to Use Citi Bike

To use Citi Bike, you’ll need to download the app. You can download the pink Lyft app or the white Citi Bike app, as seen in the image below. If you use Lyft often, I recommend using their app.

If it’s your first time downloading the app, you may get your first three rides for free! You can register your American bank card, credit card, PayPal, or Apple Pay to your account. I personally use my bank card.

Find the Nearest Citi Bike Station Using the App

Open the app’s map and locate the nearest Citi Bike station. The bike icon highlighted in red is the rental page for bikes. Green light indicators show that bikes are available, while red indicators mean that all bikes are in use. The electric bike symbol indicates the availability of e-bikes.

Before Unlocking Your Citi Bike

Since Citi Bike is a time-based service, it’s recommended that you check for a nearby station where you can return the bike before you start your ride. If you have to search for a station after your ride, you’ll accumulate extra charges.

Unlocking Your Citi Bike

Before unlocking the bike, check that it’s in good condition. Since many people use the bikes, there may be some damage. For example, ensure the brakes work, the saddle is adjustable, and the handlebars are straight.

Once you find a good bike, simply hold your phone over the QR code scanner (the purple “SCAN” icon) located between the handlebars. A “click” sound will confirm the bike is unlocked. Then, pull the bike out carefully.

Returning Your Citi Bike

When returning the bike, make sure the front wheel is securely placed in the dock. A green light at the station’s lower left corner will indicate that the bike has been successfully returned. If the light is yellow or red, the return process hasn’t been completed, and you might continue to be charged.

Citi Bike Pricing

You can check Citi Bike’s pricing on their official website. Membership is available for $15 per month or $185 per year. Please note that electric bikes come with an additional charge. One ride starts at $3.99, and the cost increases based on the duration of use. A day pass costs $15.

Summary

Today, I introduced how to use Citi Bike, a convenient bike-sharing system available throughout New York City. With Citi Bike, you can travel short distances without relying on the subway, especially to destinations that are a bit far from the nearest subway station. It’s especially handy when combined with subway rides, and you can save money by opting for an annual membership. However, please remember to always prioritize safety while riding in the city!