Bicycle sharing systems started gaining popularity in recent years as it’s an environment-friendly way to travel around the cities. This program started in the 1960s in Amsterdam and gradually grew global as an effective and cheap way to travel. The bicycle-sharing system is simple and sometimes free as well. A person can borrow a bicycle from a dock near them before returning the bicycle to a dock close to their destination. These types of bikes are either mechanical or electric and you can find the location of these docks through various mapping apps. By 2017, dock-less bicycle-sharing was also available widely. Let us know more detail about ‘Divvy Bikes’.
Divvy Bikes
‘Divvy Bikes’ is a bicycle-sharing system specific to the Chicago metropolitan area. It’s available in the main city and Evanston as well. This bike-sharing system was launched in 2013 and it’s currently operated by Lyft. It has thousands of utility bikes across the cities of Chicago and Evanston. There are more than 600 bike stations across the cities as well.
How To Get A Divvy Bike?
If you’re looking to travel around Chicago in an environmentally-friendly way or looking to save money, it’s your best bet to opt for a Divvy bike. They’re spread throughout the city and you can get a bike for yourself by following these steps:
- Get the Divvy app from your app store or play store on your mobile phone and sign up. If you don’t want to get the app, you can get a pass from a Divvy Station kiosk instead as well.
- There are membership benefits available for the ones that access the Divvy app but people who don’t want to sign up can unlock a ride for a mere $1 which will charge them $0.16 per minute. E-bikes charge $0.39 per minute to non-members.
- You can take as many short rides as your desire with your pass or your active membership.
- It is important to return your Divvy bike after you’ve reached your final destination. To do that you need to find a Divvy bike station dock and wait till the light turns green to make sure it has been returned and locked safely. If you’re riding on an e-bike, there are specific e-bike-only stations throughout Chicago.
One of the most important parts of your Divvy ride is to ensure that you return it. If you fail to return your bike within the stipulated 24 hours, it will be marked ‘stolen’ and you’ll be charged accordingly with extra administrative fees to your credit or debit card. This fee can reach $1,200 or more.
Divvy Memberships
It’s important to choose a plan according to the type of resident you are in Chicago. There are specific plans beneficial for locals, visitors, and tourists.
Locals who are looking to ride around in these bikes frequently can opt for Divvy’s annual membership plan. According to this plan, you will be charged $119 every year. The beginning 45-minutes will be included in this plan so you’ll be charged extra only if you ride for more time during that day.
Tourists or visitors who are looking to explore the city for a limited amount of time can opt for the Day Pass. It costs $15 and you’ll be charged the normal $0.16 per minute if you ride for more than 3 hours in the 24 hours. It’s one of the best environmentally friendly ways to explore the city of Chicago and Evanston.
University membership can be accessed by active university students for $83 per year. Various universities such as Adler, Kendall College, Roosevelt, and more offer this membership to their students. Divvy also has a business membership plan for companies looking to provide this facility to their employees.
It’s not necessary to take any memberships or passes if you don’t want to, you can use the single ride option as well if you need it for a single journey. Whether you’re on an annual membership or you have a day pass, you need to be careful with your bike if it gets stolen or lost, you’ll be charged $1,200 or more.
Different Kinds of Divvy Bikes
After its launch in 2013, Divvy grew steadily to introduce new types of bikes for its customers to travel conveniently around the city. Their classic Divvy bike is comfortable and easy to use, equipped with a safety bell, front basket, efficient brakes, and other necessities in a bike.
Their e-bikes and scooters are famous now as they’re modern and faster than the classic. Divvy’s scooters cost $0.39 per minute for non-members and $0.25 for the annual members. Divvy also recommends riding the scooters with proper helmet safety.
Conclusion
Divvy bikes offer locals and visitors of Chicago an opportunity to travel around the cities in a cheaper, more environmentally efficient manner. It’s easy to get a bike for yourself whether you get a membership or not and it offers an authentic experience compared to traveling around through taxis or cabs.
