293 replies to this topic

[Volare]

I see that Brian L made good use of the B-Cycles today. Will look foward to a report from him on this!

[BobZupcic]

For what it is worth, I work downtown on ground-level and have seen so many people using the bikes. The first couple of times I got excited because I wasn't sure I would see a lot, but it has already become commonplace. What has really been interesting to watch is the diversity of users. Kids seniors families. Period. All over the place really. I even saw two on the Trinity trails this morning by Lagrave Field.

What a wonderful forward thinking idea.

[McHand]

If they had child trailers you could rent, I'd be a member for life.

 

Are there any plans for a city-wide rollout?  I would love to see this in Poly and

the Far South Side (or whatever you call south of Berry).

[Brian Luenser]

True Volare.  I bought an annual membership and checked out a bike 4 times yesterday.  And rode one to the Magnolia Ave. Festival yesterday!  Man, was I fast, too.  Bought a new helmet at Trinity Bicycles.  At one point, I wanted a bike to ride west but they were all checked out in Sundance.  Good.  I walked, that's ok too.  Was happy to see them all gone. 
 

[Fort Worthology]

If they had child trailers you could rent, I'd be a member for life.

 

Are there any plans for a city-wide rollout?  I would love to see this in Poly and

the Far South Side (or whatever you call south of Berry).

 

There will be more stations for sure, though I'm not sure what the long-term expansion plans are.  I've heard talk of 4-5 more stations being added this summer, but I think some of those will be filling in some spots in the existing layout.

 

I'd expect more around TCU eventually for starters (oh, how I wish we'd put bike lanes in the Berry Street makeover...).

I used the system a lot this weekend.  It's impressive how natural it starts to feel after checking a bike out a time or two.

[AndyN]

I finally got to use my B card this weekend. I went to the Intermodal Station at 9th and Jones. The kiosk was easy enough to understand but I had a mild panic when it said I had 30 seconds to get my bike and I had picked the farthest one away because it had two baskets. I went to the rack, grabbed the handles and nothing. Tug, tug, tug. Scratch head. Observe green light on rack panel. Reposition. Tug. Nothing. Light goes off.

 

I went back to the kiosk and called the service number. The operator was helpful and I found a two basket bike on the other end of the rack. No problem this time. I loaded it up with campaign material and went to the Prairie Fest. There was another rental bike there in the temporary bike rack, but I kept mine with me when I walked the festival as it was a convenient storage for my stuff. Also very popular. Many people came over to see it and ask questions about the program. It wasn't until halfway throught the festival that I realized how easy it was to adjust the seat height. Overall I think it was a great experience. I am looking forward to getting my money's worth out of that annual membership.

 

Prairie Fest at Tandy Hills Park was great fun too.

[Volare]

The main thing holding the program from expanding quickly in Fort Worth is the lack of a "presenting sponsor." Most times when these programs are launched, there is a title sponsor who donates a big chunk of $$ to have their name attached to the program and all of the bikes. For instance, in Houston is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Denver is Kaiser Permanente. Fort Worth has a good number of mid-size sponsors with ads attached to a few dozen bikes- Near Southside, TCU, UNTHSC, etc. But it will really take someone like Chesapeke, BNSF, Hillwood, or Lockheed Martin, etc stepping up to push this program to the next level.

 

TCU definitely needs more stations. The system in Omaha is basically set up completely for the benefit of University of Nebraska- Omaha, with 4 stations located around that campus. TCU could easily do 4-6 stations. Perhaps their SGA will step up with some funds to sponsor stations i.e. "Class of 2013 station, etc."

 

It is really a testament to the 4 hardworking folks at Fort Work Bike Sharing that they've been able to get such a large program off the ground with limited funds. Oh, the other thing the system will need is ridership, but it sounds like things are going well in that arena!

[mmiller2002]

Do they have pneumatic tires, or those foam filled ones?

[Volare]

They are pneumatic tires. They come equipped with green slime seal from the factory.

[Russ Graham]

 but I kept mine with me when I walked the festival as it was a convenient storage for my stuff. Also very popular. Many people came over to see it and ask questions about the program. It wasn't until halfway throught the festival that I realized how easy it was to adjust the seat height.

 

Don't they charge you lots of money to keep the bikes beyond a half hour?  did you have a special deal worked out to keep it that long?

[Fort Worthology]

 

 but I kept mine with me when I walked the festival as it was a convenient storage for my stuff. Also very popular. Many people came over to see it and ask questions about the program. It wasn't until halfway throught the festival that I realized how easy it was to adjust the seat height.

 

Don't they charge you lots of money to keep the bikes beyond a half hour?  did you have a special deal worked out to keep it that long?

 

 

 

 

First 30 minutes:  free

2nd 30 minutes:  $1.50

Each additional 30 minutes:  $3.00

[AndyN]

It cost me $14.50 for the time I had it. I knew the costs up front and I paid for what I wanted. To be honest, I have a bike. But it is at my warehouse in Azle right now with a broken rack. The bike rental had the front basket and side basket, I didn't have to go get it from Azle and it was a nice ride. I wasn't the only person with a rental at the festival. Saw one chained to the bike racks for at least an hour.

[Volare]

... I like the bike sharing concept alright.  But will give the whole program about an 18% chance of working. I wish it the best.  As long as they are not riding in front of me of course...

 

Brian,

Following your photo adventures it seems like you have taken advantage the bike sharing program very nicely! Wondering if you might update your chance of working based on your experiences. Are we up to at least 20%?

[Austin55]

The cover of the New Yorker is kinda neat and relevant.

 

[hannerhan]

Yeah New York City just rolled out their bike share program this weekend.

[BobZupcic]

I've really been enjoying urban bloggers and NYC friends tweeting about the Citibike program (yes...Citi is the corporate sponsor...we soooo need that).

 

I thought this was really interesting...check out this map/pic:

 

https://twitter.com/...3517057/photo/1

 

 

and notice how the blue station indicator lights fill up with darker blue depending on how full the site is.  Genius.

(the FW app doesnt do this although the site may. Eitherway, probably a lot more useful in NYC anyway)

[beverlyb]

Last Saturday, May 25th between 1- 2 p.m. I saw 6 different people downtown on bike share bikes. This was around the library and Barnes and Noble.

Also at a recent Downtown Neighborhood Alliance meeting it was said that they have around 800 yearly memberships and they need about 1,200 to be profitable. This 1,200 would be on top of the other rentals.

[John T Roberts]

Every time that I am out and about, it seems like I see someone on one of those bicycles.  I'm hoping they will give it a little time to be successful.

[Volare]

...Also at a recent Downtown Neighborhood Alliance meeting it was said that they have around 800 yearly memberships and they need about 1,200 to be profitable. This 1,200 would be on top of the other rentals.

 

These numbers are not accurate. The numbers after one month are available here:

 

http://blogs.star-te...ased-24-ho.html

 

I still think these numbers are considered very good compared to other cities of similar size and their experiences with B-cycle.

[FortWorthLowrider]

 

Bummer, some of us only have debit cards.  I get it, but......yeah.

 

I bought my membership with my debit card.

 

Really?

 

On the website it says

 

Can I use a debit card to register as a B-cycle member?

Not at this time.

[Doohickie]

Some debit cards can also be "used" as credit cards.

[AndyN]

My annual pass was purchased with a debit card and I had the occasion to use a separate debit card for a daily rental with no issues.

[Austin55]

I have not been to downtown and NOT seen a B-bike since they were introduced. 

[FortWorthLowrider]

I see them all over. Down town 7th street trinity etx

[Brian Luenser]

 

... I like the bike sharing concept alright.  But will give the whole program about an 18% chance of working. I wish it the best.  As long as they are not riding in front of me of course...

 

Brian,

Following your photo adventures it seems like you have taken advantage the bike sharing program very nicely! Wondering if you might update your chance of working based on your experiences. Are we up to at least 20%?

 

Yes. I believe I was wrong, at least substantially.  I am now quite optimistic about its chance of success.   I use the system frequently.  At times of the day and places that I am not a burden to vehicular traffic.

[renamerusk]

.... I use the system frequently.  At times of the day and places that I am not a burden to vehicular traffic.

 

BL, sooner or later, that you will come to appreciate the benefits of the bike, the streetcar and the pedestrian; and give them the respect that they deserve.  It is the ideology that the automobile is sacred that has gotten the American city in the shape that it is - sprawling, daunting and wastefully inefficient.

 

Keep Fort Worth folksy

[Volare]

From the monthly newsletter

 

Here are some stats through 6 weeks of operation:

24-hour members: 2,515
30-day members: 11
5-day members: 5
Annual members: 308

Trips: 5,561
Miles: 32,268
Calories burned: 1,092,800
Carbon offset: 25,954 lbs.

Assuming half of all B-Cycle trips replace car trips:
Gallons of gas saved: 794
$ saved on gas: $2,682

Most popular stations:
1. Trinity Park
2. West 7th & Stayton
3. 2597 W. 7th St.
4. Sundance Square North (2nd & Commerce)
5. Intermodal Transportation Center North (9th & Jones)

[John T Roberts]

Volare, those are some interesting stats.  Thanks for posting.

[Dylan]

I notice two of the most popular stations are on West 7th. That sucks since the bridge is closed now. Ridership will probably go down until it reopens.

[Austin55]

nevermind this post, said something dumb.

[Austin55]

Here's a cool live map showing the stations and how many bikes and empty spaces are currently available. You can also "rewind" a few hours and watch as stations grow and shrink, and visit other cities with shareing systems.

http://bikes.oobrien.com/fortworth/

[wfsmith10]

Wow, that's amazing....
 
If you watch the london replay, you can clearly see that the network is being heavily used to commute to/from work. The stations in the central business districts fill up in the morning and empty out at night, whereas the outer, more residential neighborhoods empty out in the mornings and fill back up at night... 
 
 

Here's a cool live map showing the stations and how many bikes and empty spaces are currently available. You can also "rewind" a few hours and watch as stations grow and shrink, and visit other cities with shareing systems.
http://bikes.oobrien.com/fortworth/

[John T Roberts]

Austin55, thanks for the link.  I have enjoyed watching what is happening here in Fort Worth.  Tonight, I have even been looking at other cities, particularly ones where I have visited.

[Austin55]

Looks like big expansion is on the way! 500,000$ from TxDot for 10 new stations and 100 new bikes

 

http://fortworthbike...-share-program/

 

4 new stations will be arriving in September, at Museum Place (7th and Barden) the Courthouse (Maina and Weatherford) Burnett Park (7th and Burnett) and the TCU bookstore (University and Berry)

 

Anyone want to speculate on where the rest will show up? I'd like to see further smattering of them around downtown, W7 and Southside continue, while perhaps adding new stations along Samuels, maybe going as far as Wesleyan and the Stockyards. When the Linwood rowhomes get finished up that could be a good place for one as well. 

[Volare]

This is awesome news! Downtown is fairly well covered. I'd like to see some additional coverages in the near areas. Right now the TCU station is way out on an island, so I can't imagine it is getting much usage. With the additon of the TCU bookstore, this should help increase usage. Hopefully then TCU will see how great the system can be and will pony up some $$ for some additional stations (AGC Stadium, BLUU, Rec Center, Lupton Stadium, etc). There are some B cycle locations (Omaha) that are entirely based around a college, so TCU could definitely use more locations.

 

Outside of TCU, I'd suggest Woodshed/Food Truck Park area, LaGrave/Drive In area, Trinity Bluff area, Zoo area. That's about all I can think of right now...

[Volare]

Oh and Science Museum/Cowgirl Museum entrance, & Botanic Garden/BRIT

[mmiller2002]

With the additon of the TCU bookstore, this should help increase usage. Hopefully then TCU will see how great the system can be and will pony up some $$ for some additional stations (AGC Stadium, BLUU, Rec Center, Lupton Stadium, etc). There are some B cycle locations (Omaha) that are entirely based around a college, so TCU could definitely use more locations.

 

Drunk students could be good Fri/Sat night customers...

[Volare]

Berry@University station coming soon.

[Doohickie]

I've suggested putting in a station at the SW Baptist Seminary. It's a pretty easy ride to the Near Southside and Downtown from there (I do it frequently).

[Austin55]

Clearfork Trailhead and Weatherford & Main went in today, now up to 33 stations.

[Doohickie]

Where's the Clearfork Trailhead?  I can't find that label at Streams & Valleys.

[Volare]

Intersection of Clearfork Main Street and Edwards Ranch Rd. At the traffic circle and heading SE is the trailhead.

[Austin55]

Interesting location for sure, pretty far away from all the other stations.

[mmiller2002]

Intersection of Clearfork Main Street and Edwards Ranch Rd. At the traffic circle and heading SE is the trailhead.

 

WOW!  Not a lot of foot traffic there...

[Volare]

 

WOW!  Not a lot of foot traffic there...

 

 

Yet...

 

I'm guessing this station was paid for by the developer. Once the area develops I can see several more stations going in around there.

[Doohickie]

Intersection of Clearfork Main Street and Edwards Ranch Rd. At the traffic circle and heading SE is the trailhead.

Ah, thanks.

[mmiller2002]

 

 

WOW!  Not a lot of foot traffic there...

 

 

Yet...

 

I'm guessing this station was paid for by the developer. Once the area develops I can see several more stations going in around there.

 

 

Is that really just a guess?  Have other stations been paid for by private funds?

[Doohickie]

Is that really just a guess?  Have other stations been paid for by private funds?

I can probably find that out.

[Volare]

Just a guess on my part, but there are many stations that have been sponsored.

[Russ Graham]

I spotted the Barden and 7th street station this morning while getting my hair cut at the 7th street barber shop.  The "West Side" is getting a good density of closely spaced bike stations in walkable locations, between this one, the UNTHSC station, the TWO stations in the museum district, the station at West 7th, and the one in front of Target... my car is looking more and more useless all the time!

 

(By the way, apologies if this is off topic, but my wife laughs at me every time I call our neighborhood "the west side".  She considers the west side to be like way out west - Las Vegas Trail environs.  What do forum-ers call the area within a mile or so of University & 7th, encompassing the Cultural District, West 7th, Trinity Park, UNTHSC, and the several neighborhoods from North Hi Mount to Linwood? To me saying "I live in the Cultural District" sounds like I've parked an RV in the parking lot of the Modern...)