A different kind of bike
Bike share bikes are built to survive heavy use by many people. They tend to be sturdy and upright, often with a step-through or low frame, mudguards, a chain guard and a basket or rack. That toughness usually comes with extra weight, a fixed riding position and a limited range of gears. If you normally ride a lighter personal bike, the first minutes on a hire bike can feel slow and a bit clumsy. That is normal, and a few habits make the transition easier.
Designs vary between systems and cities, so what follows is general. Follow any instructions printed on the bike or in the operator’s app.
Check the bike before you leave the dock
Because many people use the same bike and not everyone reports faults, a short check is worthwhile. It takes less than a minute, and a pre-ride bike check is a good habit on any bike.
- Brakes: squeeze both levers. They should feel firm and stop the wheel from turning when you push the bike forward. Do a brake test by rolling it a few steps and braking before you get on.
- Tyres: look for obvious flatness. Press the tyre with your thumb to check it is firm.
- Lights and reflectors: many share bikes have built-in lights. Check whether they work, and if the lights are powered by pedalling, remember they may flicker or fade at low speeds. A quick light and reflector check is part of any sensible start.
- Handlebars and seat: check that they are not loose and that nothing wobbles.
- Chain and pedals: make sure the chain is on and the pedals turn freely.
- Bell: if there is one, ring it.
If anything seems wrong, do not ride. Return the bike to the dock or follow the app’s process for reporting a fault, then take a different bike. Do not try to repair it yourself.
Adjust the seat before you set off
Many bike share bikes have a quick-release clamp or lever on the seat post. A comfortable seat height generally allows a slight bend in the knee at the bottom of the pedal stroke, though what suits you is individual. Too low a seat can strain your knees, and too high a seat can make it hard to reach the ground when you stop. On a heavy upright bike, a seat that lets you touch the ground with the balls of your feet or a bit more at a stop can feel secure for casual riding. The wider topic of setting saddle height covers the principles in more detail.
Make sure the clamp is properly closed afterwards and that the seat stays put when you lean on it. Use the marks on the post, if any, as a guide.
Starting, steering and stopping
Heavy bikes need a firm, smooth start. Select an easy gear if the bike has more than one, hold the brakes, step on the pedal and push away steadily. Wobbling is common at first, so find a clear stretch before pulling out into traffic.
Steering feels heavier and slower, in part because of the weight, often a wider handlebar, and a basket that can shift the front end’s balance when loaded. Give yourself more room to turn and start your turns a little earlier. Keep heavy items low and ideally out of a front basket, since a loaded front can make steering feel strange.
Stopping takes longer on a heavy bike, particularly in the wet. Brake earlier and more gently than you would on a lighter bike, and use both brakes together. If you are unsure how that works, front and rear brake use matters, so test how each lever feels before you rely on it.
Riding in lanes and on paths
In a painted lane, remember that a heavy bike is slower to accelerate and slower to dodge. Leave more room beside parked cars for the door zone, and begin to slow down earlier approaching junctions. On shared paths, keep your speed gentle, since many hire bikes are not designed for fast riding, and use the bell politely when passing people.
Wide, upright bars and a relaxed position can reduce visibility of your hand signals. Make clear, early signals where it is safe to take a hand off the handlebars, and remember that taking a hand off a heavy bike at low speed can feel unsteady, so practise somewhere quiet if you need to.
Lights, clothing and visibility
If you ride at dusk or in the dark, check that the lights work before leaving the dock. If the bike has none that function, consider whether it is legal and sensible to ride, and consider carrying a small clip-on light of your own if you use bike share often. Bright or reflective items help others see you.
Helmets and local rules
Some bike share operators offer no helmets, and rules vary on whether helmets are required. A helmet that fits well is a sensible precaution, and carrying your own is an option if you use share bikes regularly.
A relaxed first ride
Take the first few minutes slowly. Use the first quiet stretch to get used to the weight, the brakes and the turning circle. By the time you reach the busier part of the route, the bike will usually feel far more natural.