If you visited New York City this summer you probably noticed streets lined with new shared bikes for you to rent. While I know some folks who live here are disappointed as they took up some very presious parking spots, being able to rent a bike as will to get around the city is great! While you currently will not find these bikes uptown, they will probably be available at some point in the future. NYC has also started to implement bike lanes on some streets, which I love!
For those who have a MasterCard credit card, you can get a free 24-hour access pass at any Citi Bike station kiosk – this promotion expires October 31, 2013. To get your gift certificate number (which you will need to enter at the bike kiosk), follow these steps:
- Go to this promotional site
- Click the yellow “Get Pass” button
- Enter your MasterCard username and passcode – if you are a MasterCard card holder, but do not currently have a username, you can create one by entering your information and including your MasterCard number
- Swipe your credit card at any bike kiosk and enter the certificate number you were given
The 24-hour access bike is typically $9.95+ tax and gives you an unlimited amount of free 30 minute rides. If you do not return the bike to a kiosk within the 30 minute time period you will then be charged $4 for the second half hour, $9 for the third half hour, and $12 for every half hour after that. Essentially, this is not a bike to rent to cruise around NYC for the day! Do not let the “free 24-hour pass” deceive you! When you dock your bike, you can then re-take out the bike and your 30 minutes re-starts. You can learn more about pricing here.
Thanks to reader Joey for passing this along this deal!
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This sounds great, as we will be in Manhattan at the end of the month. however, is Manhattan bike friendly? We are staying in midtown.
@mary Elizabeth – riding around Central Park is great and safe. No cars. Also the west side has a great bike bath, although sorta narrow.
It’s good to point out that you only get to check these bikes out for 30 minutes at time so riding around Central Park probably won’t be a good idea (unless you want to pay the penalties).