I had the opportunity to use this new automated bike rental system in Minneapolis this weekend. See attached photos.
Members can use the bikes FREE for 30 minutes with a small cost for longer rides. Membership cost $5 day, or $60 year. There are about 1000 bikes at the 70 stations around downtown.
The intent is to reduce auto trips and reduce GHG. They encourage you to check out a bike, ride it to the next station and then check it back in. Do as many free 30-minute rides in a row as you want. Munich, Paris, Denver, Montreal, and Portland do this.
The bike system is run by a non-profit and sponsored by the regional transit authority and Blue Cross. See www.niceridemn.org
This is a great idea that is really successful in other cities. I have heard that the Sacramento version has been temporarily suspended. see: http://www.facebook.com/RideYourOwnWay BUMMER.
I guess these bikes need to be funky enough so that people won’t be inclined to steal them!