A Denver B-cycle rack at the University of Denver with a solar panel to power the transaction machine. [Photo Credit: Brooke Way]

As I was walking to class earlier this week, I couldn’t help but notice that the bike-sharing stations scattered around the University of Denver campus are solar-powered. I had always thought that the Denver B-cycle stations were an efficient idea, but I never noticed how environmentally friendly they were!

Denver B-cycle was introduced on Earth Day last year, and has grown to be the largest bike-sharing program in the U.S. There are currently 400 bikes being shared at over 40 B-stations around downtown Denver, Cherry Creek, and the University of Denver.

The automated and solar-powered bike stations that form B-cycle, LLC are a collaboration between Humana, Trek Bicycle Corporation, and Crispin Porter + Bogusky. According to Denver B-cycle’s website, “B-cycle is a next-next-generation bike-sharing program. It is a zero-hassle, zero-emissions way to get around town.”

I think it is great that students at DU, and the community around Denver are given the opportunity to choose an alternative form of transportation other than driving, and, better yet, the bike-stations are run on solar energy!

Other B-cycle stations have been established in Chicago, Des Moines, Louisville, San Antonio, and are coming soon to Nashville. It is so easy to pick up a bike at any of the B-stations around town, and then drop it off at one when you are finished with your trip.

Membership fees for Denver B-cycle range from $5 for a one-day pass, to $65 for a full year membership. B-cycle is not only an advocate for reducing emissions in a fun and healthy way, but it is also actively participating in the movement to switch to solar energy.

Denver B-cycle and B-cycles in other U.S. cities are definitely worth giving a try, especially if you're into green transportation. As Denver B-cycle’s website puts it, “B-cycle's powered by the best alternative fuel: You.”

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