How Charlotte B-cycle Works

Follow these easy steps

Purchase a membership online or at any B-station.

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  1. Our system offers 2 types of memberships: 24-Hour Passes and Annual Memberships.
  2. Both membership levels may be purchased online (credit card required).
  3. Only 24-Hour Passes may be purchased at Charlotte B-stations (credit card required).

 

Don't forget, there's an app for that! Have the convenience of knowing bike, dock, and station availability on your mobile phone! Download the B-cycle app on your iPhone or Android phone.

 

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Select

Choose a bike from any B-station.

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If you do not have a B-card and have not yet purchased a membership:

  1. Press the 'Start' button on the kiosk.
  2. Follow the instructions on the touchscreen to purchase a 24-Hour Pass.
  3. When prompted, select the dock number of the bike you wish to check out.
  4. The kiosk will unlock the bike from the dock you chose. The dock holding the chosen bike will beep and show a green light until the bike is removed or for about 30 seconds.

If you do not have a B-card, but already have purchased a membership:

  1. Press the 'Start' button on the kiosk.
  2. Select 'No' when asked if you would like to purchase a membership.
  3. Follow the prompts on the touchscreen. When prompted, swipe the same credit card you bought your membership with.
  4. When prompted, select the dock number of the bike you wish to check out.
  5. The kiosk will unlock the bike from the dock you chose. The dock holding the bike will beep and show a green light until the bike is removed or for about 30 seconds.

If you have a B-card:

  1. Choose one of the locked bikes.
  2. Press the silver button on the bike’s dock.
  3. Touch your B-card to the square behind the silver button.
  4. Remove the bike once the locks open (dock will start beeping and show a green light after the bike is unlocked).
How to inspect bikes (pdf) Close

Ride

Grab a bike and your helmet and go!

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Follow these easy steps to ensure the B-cycle is in working order, strap on your helmet, and go!

  1. The TIRES should be hard and not bulging on the pavement. Examine them for any abrasions or bubbles.
  2. Check that the WHEELS spin straight and freely without rubbing against the brake pads or any other parts.
  3. Try shifting to all three GEARS to make sure the chain shifts smoothly.
  4. Squeeze both BRAKES to make sure they are functioning properly.
  5. Adjust the SEAT height and clamp it securely so that your leg almost fully extends when the pedal is down.

REMEMBER: Rides of less than 30 minutes incur no usage fee. For each additional 30 minutes, your card will be charged $4. Hint: To avoid usage fees, dock your bike within 30 minutes and check out another to keep going!

 

How to adjust seat height/safe riding (pdf) Close

Return

Return your bike to any B-station.

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  1. Return your bike to any Charlotte B-station by rolling it into an available dock.
  2. Wait for three rapid blinks of the green light and three quick beeps. That is your signal that the bike has been securely returned.