FAQs

• What is bike sharing?

  • Bike sharing is a great way to get around! It’s a bike that’s there when you need it and gone when you don’t. Grab a bike near you, ride to your destination, and dock the bike at any nearby station.

• How do I sign up?

  • If you just want to ride for the day, purchase a ride at any station touchscreen using your Visa or MasterCard. Rides are only $4 an hour! Ride as little or as long as you like.

  • Members get the first hour of every ride free! If you ride often, purchase a monthly (30 day) recurring membership or a one-time annual membership online. We’ll send you a membership card that you’ll tap at a bike dock to unlock your ride instantly. Until your membership card arrives, you can use your credit or debit card at the station touchscreen at no additional charge.

  • If you’re an NDSU student, enroll online at www.ndsu.edu/sg/bikeshare at no additional charge; your membership is included in your student fees!

• How do I check out a bike?

  • To purchase a ride, follow the prompts at any station touchscreen. You can purchase multiple bikes on the same credit card.

  • If you're a member, walk up to any bike dock, press the silver button, tap your card, and the bike will release!

  • If you’re an NDSU student and have enrolled with your Bison card, walk up to any bike dock, press the silver button, tap your card, and the bike will release!

• How do I return a bike?

  • Bring the bike to an empty dock at any station. Push the bike in all the way until you hear three beeps and see a green light. If you don’t hear beeps or see the light, the bike hasn’t been returned and you are still responsible for it! If you're having trouble, you can always return it to a neighboring dock.

• How long can I keep the bike?

  • You can ride as little or as long as you like! Rides are only $4 an hour. If you're a member, the first hour of your ride is free. Lucky you!

• When is the system open?

  • You can check out bikes at any time between 6:00am and midnight. You can return bikes at any time. Stations and bikes are removed for the winter and brought back into service in the spring. Our timeline is impacted by the weather, so we might adjust the dates to ensure safe riding. We’ll keep you in the know.

• Do I need to wear a helmet?

  • You aren’t required to wear a helmet while riding a bike, but it’s a really good idea! Stop by a friendly local bike shop if you’re interested in purchasing a helmet.

• Can someone else ride the bike?

  • Only the person who checked out the bike is permitted to use it. If someone else wants to ride, they’ll need to check out their own bike. You may not let another person use your membership card, since you’re liable for the bike whenever it isn’t docked at a station.

• What if there aren’t any bikes at my station?

  • You can wait at the station for someone to dock a bike, or you can follow the prompts at the touchscreen to see nearby stations with available bikes. But don’t worry… you usually don’t have to wait long for a bike to arrive! We also move bikes around during the day to make sure bikes are available as often as possible. You can get the free BCycle Now app to see the number of bikes at every station instantly.

• What if my destination station is full?

  • Go to the touchscreen and follow the prompts to request more time. After you’ve done this, you can wait until someone checks out a bike and opens up a free dock, or you can look for a nearby station with free docks. As long as you request more time first, you won’t be charged for the extra time. Call the customer service number on the back of your membership card in case of emergencies. You can get the free BCycle Now app to see the number of open docks at every station instantly.

• Are the bikes safe?

  • Each bike is equipped with automatic lights to help you stay visible while you ride. All bikes in our fleet are assembled and maintained by a team of professional mechanics, and each bike receives regular inspections. During the winter, each bike receives a full overhaul. However, you’re responsible for riding safely and obeying all applicable laws while on the bike.

• What if I’m involved in an accident?

  • If you’re involved in an accident, make sure everyone is safe and out of harm’s way. Call the police or other emergency services if necessary, and then get in touch with customer service using the number on the bike's decals to report the accident.

• What if I notice a damaged bike at the station?

  • If you notice a bike is damaged at the station, choose another bike and call customer service to report the problem. If you notice the bike you checked out is damaged, dock it immediately, call customer service to report the problem, and check out a different bike. If you call us, we'll make sure you aren't charged for checking out the damaged bike.

• Can I leave the bike outside while I go to the store/cafe/school/work for a while?

  • Yes, but keep a few things in mind. Your bike includes a lock in the basket. To use it, wrap the cable around a solid object (like a bike rack or pole), insert it into the slot below the basket, and remove the key. To unlock it, insert and turn the key, and return the cable to the basket. However, it’s always best to dock the bike at a nearby station before you leave it. You’re responsible for the bike until it’s docked at a station.