How to use bike sharing

HOW TO USE BIKE SHARING

The rental of the bicycle, through the bike sharing method, is practical and convenient but it is not the same everywhere. The rates, methods and duration of the rental vary according to the company providing the service.Anyone new to bike sharing should consider a number of factors. Here are ten rules for renting a bike without waste:

• Acquire information. Before approaching the first bike-sharing provider, we need to do our due diligence. Comparing rates and options offered by various local providers is essential to avoid waste and choose the best deal based on your needs.

• Pay conveniently. Today, there are various payment methods for bike sharing, from credit cards to cash. Furthermore, several municipalities that offer bike rental also offer the option of purchasing prepaid cards for bike rental. This cutting-edge solution often includes other services such as free museum tickets or discounts at participating stores.
  

• Evaluate distances. Depending on how you use your bike, you should consider the distance between the bike-sharing station and attractions. If you plan to use the service to visit the city, it's best not to stray too far to avoid wasting precious time.
  

• Formulate an itinerary. If you want to stay in shape or explore a part of a city, it's always a good idea not to wander randomly. Therefore, before renting a bike, you should be clear about the route you want to take and any shortcuts.

• Pay attention to the time. Before choosing a specific rate, we need to be clear about the time we intend to dedicate to cycling. If we have a day available, we can opt for daily bike sharing. Otherwise, we should consider a time-based rate. In any case, it's important to find out about the service's operating hours, even though many are available 24 hours a day.

• Take advantage of cycle paths. Cycling in the city is not like doing it in the countryside, so we need to inquire about the availability of cycle paths on the route we intend to take. This way we can avoid dangers and move around easily.

• Use GPS. If we're unfamiliar with the area, we can use a satellite navigation system to avoid wasting precious time. This will help us avoid lengthening travel times and exceeding the rental time limit.

• Get a subscription. This rule is recommended for those who regularly use bike sharing. It's a smart way to get around without polluting the environment, and it costs less than a public transport pass.

• Find out about the discounts. Many municipalities offer benefits for residents who opt for bike sharing. In Italy, this service is almost always paid. However, several municipalities have already provided discounts on bike sharing for residents.

• Avoid rush hour. Bike-sharing stations typically don't have a large number of bikes available. Therefore, it's important to avoid peak hours. You risk having to wait for a bike to return and reconsider your plans.

(Cover image credits: Tupungato / Shutterstock.com)

Bike Sharing: The Cities Where It Works Best:

• Bike sharing for kids: Paris launches "p'tits vélib," the world's first service
• Bike sharing is booming in New York. 600 stations and 10 bikes.
• BiciMad, the electric bike-sharing service for exploring Madrid in an eco-friendly way.
• In Paris, "2017 will be the year of the bike," says Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
• In Bari, discounts at cinemas and shops and paycheck bonuses for those who choose to commute by bicycle.
• Free bikes: free rental is available in around fifty municipalities in Italy.