If you’ve spent any time on the streets of Denver, you’ve seen those cute little bicycles. The cherry red, the wire basket, and that familiar “B” logo—the Denver B-Cycle has become iconic. 

Even though bike sharing has been a pivotal part of various metropolitan’s across the world, its presence in Denver is certainly innovative. The technology involved in the accessibility and usability of the system, as well as keeping the bikes and stations maintained during hours of operation, is what makes the program so effective. The success of B-Cycle has been recognized nation-wide, moving Denver even further in the realm of innovation.

Denver has consistently ranked in the top 10 of the best public transportation in the United States andit is the third healthiest city according to Forbes. So, it’s no surprise that Denver is also the pioneer for the large-scale municipal bike sharing system in the U.S. B-Cycle started out with hubs primarily through downtown Denver and Cherry Creek. With the bike path traveling from Cherry Creek mall to REI, the bike-sharing program saw positive results immediately.

Now, B-Cycle has 84 stations and 700 bikes serving countless destinations in the Denver metro area (download the map here). And Boulder has caught on board as well (so, the real ambitious commuters could ride from Denver to Boulder, avoiding the US36 construction!) Okay, perhaps that is a bit ambitious. B-Cycle is best suited for shorter commutes, anyhow. A ride up to 30 minutes doesn’t cost a thing after you pay your initial membership and that is perfect for the average Denver commuter.

Standing clad in his commuter jeans and leather briefcase placed conveniently in the B-Cycle basket, Five Points resident told Innovator’s Peak, “I can’t think of a better way to get to work. Not only is it faster and more fun than the bus, but the stations are literally popping up everywhere.”

“I can get just about anywhere in a 5 mile radius without having to walk more than a block. It saves time and it allows me to hop around town in a fun, environmentally friendly way.”

Businesses are reaping benefits from B-Cycle as well, and doing their part to give back to the community. Participating businesses such as Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, Root Yoga Center, Vine Street Pub, and a plethora of others offer some awesome deals when you present your B-Cycle membership card.

The little red bicycle may be a simple human powered machine, but it’s an innovative system that is completely changing how people commute and interact with the city of Denver.

“It’s not just a way of getting from point A to point B. It brings me closer to Denver and I can experience all of these new places with the ease of my B-Cycle. Plus, can we talk about the number of sweet deals on beers and pastries I get for being a B-Cycle card holder? Best part, all those commuter miles offset those $2 beers from Punch Bowl Social!”

by Addie Levinsky