Citi Bike Docking Stations

Citi Bike stations are everywhere in the city now, and the system works because the docking stations are spaced closely enough that you can almost always find 1 within a 3-block walk. Reduces the anxiety of not knowing where to drop off the bike when you arrive. The bikes themselves are heavy, about 45 pounds, with a step-through frame and 3 gears. Intentionally less nice than your own bike, the weight and gear limitation discourage theft and make them durable enough to survive thousands of riders. Unlocking is a phone tap or a key fob that releases the bike from the dock with a satisfying click. The first 30 minutes of each ride are included in the annual membership. I use Citi Bike for trips between 10 and 25 blocks where the subway is overkill and walking takes too long. At $200 per year, the membership pays for itself within the first 2 months at that rate.