Just like riding a bike...

Last week, on a beautiful sunny day, I tried out Denver's new B-Cycle program.


Here's why I think I'm pretty much the target audience for B-Cycle: I do not own a bike, but have been thinking about getting one. However, I haven't really ridden a bike since I was a kid, so I am hesitant to invest in a bike of my own until I know how useful it will really be, and/or whether I will enjoy riding it. I live in central Denver and there are plenty of places within easy biking distance that I would be happy not to drive my car to. I'm an erstwhile environmental activist who still likes to do nice things for the planet from time to time.

My goals for my B-Cycle experiment were three-fold:
1. Don't die (did I mention I hadn't ridden a bike in YEARS?)
2. Remember how to ride a bike.
3. Have fun.

Turns out, the system really is as easy to use as the web site says. I walked about two blocks to my nearest B-Cycle station, used the handy kiosk to pay for my 24-hour membership and check out a bike, and I was off!

I have to say, I love the bikes themselves. Love the shiny red color, love the low center bar ('cause this gal fully intends to bike in a cute skirt this summer!), love the built-in basket, love the chain guard (I have no real interest in spandex or rolled-up pants), love the comfy seat. Though I didn't use it on this trip, there's also a handy built-in lock.

This is the one I checked out. I called her Stella.


I quickly discovered that starting and stopping are the trickiest parts, but after a wobbly beginning I had a lovely ride around Cheesman park and on out 12th Ave. a ways. I did get laughed at by a cute guy walking a cute dog (I had to stop at a stop sign, more wobbling ensued), but that was OK because I was laughing at myself too.

Did I mention that I hadn't ridden a bike since I was about 15 years old? I also had NEVER ridden a bike on busy central Denver streets - only in safe suburban neighborhoods and bike paths. So I didn't get very far down 12th Ave. before I started getting nervous about traffic and whether I could remember the proper hand signals for turning and such...so I turned back and made another loop around the park and then headed home.

For my next ride, I hope to bring a friend along who can show be the best routes around town and give me some advice on negotiating traffic.

BUT! I did accomplish my three goals! I did not die, I discovered that riding a bike really is just like riding a bike (you don't ever forget the basics of how to balance), and I had a fun little jaunt. Several people stopped me to ask about the B-Cycle program and how the bikes handle and such. So clearly there is a buzz around town about this. Very exciting!

Stay tuned for more adventures on the shiny red bikes!

I also discovered that it is hard to take a self-portrait with a bicycle.