Nobody likes sitting in congested traffic, spending an hour on the underground metro, or paying exorbitant taxi rates.
Instead, use Citi Bike, New York City’s premier bike-sharing program that offers a healthy and fun way to get around the Big Apple.
While this service can be expensive, the cost can be offset using a Citi Bike membership.
Table Of Contents
What Is A Citi Bike?
Citi Bike is a bike-sharing program serving the New York City area.
With over 1,000 stations in the boroughs of Jersey City, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Hoboken, Citi Bike makes it easy to weave your way through the crowded streets of one of the busiest cities in the world.
Similar to other bike-sharing programs, Citi Bike offers flexible and convenient options for those who want to get around the city without having to use public transportation, pay for taxis, or walk on foot.
Not only is bicycling faster and cheaper than other alternatives, but it is good for your health and the environment.
After its inception in 2013, Citi Bike has only grown in popularity and usage in New York City.
Featuring thousands of reliable, easy-to-use, and durable bikes with numerous stations, all Citi Bike members can rent a bike all year long.
How Does Citi Bike Work?
Understanding how Citi Bike works makes the rental process seamless and easy!
Fortunately for new users, Citi Bike is easy to use.
All you have to do is download the app and join the membership program.
New users can either become Annual members or buy a short-term pass for a more limited trip.
Next, users can use the app to find a Citi Bike station in their nearby area and unlock a bike.
Then, enjoy the ride!
Take as many rides as you want within the pass’ period or during your membership.
Once you get to your destination, or you have cycled around the bustling streets of NYC on your vacation, you can then return your bike to any nearby station.
Essential Read: How to use Citi Bike
Do You Need A Membership To Use Citi Bike?
You don’t need a membership, but it will be cheaper and more convenient for users to purchase the annual pass instead of the short-term rental.
When comparing the membership options, there are different choices to accommodate various financial plans and schedules.
The cost of Citi Bike is not cheap, with a single ride being $3.99 per trip for one ride of 30 minutes or less.
Although this is the least expensive option, if you frequently use Citi Bike, this can add up over time.
The next option is the day pass for $15, providing users with unlimited 30-minute rides in a 24-hour period.
This hourly rental option is a smart choice for tourists who want to explore New York City in one day – say hello to Central Park!
The last membership choice for users is the annual membership, which breaks down to just $15 per month.
Members can enjoy the flexibility and freedom of unlimited 45-minute rides as often as they need.
The annual membership costs $185, which is billed upfront annually.
How Much Does A Citibike Membership Cost?
A Citi Bike annual membership costs $185 billed upfront, which breaks down to just $15.42 per month.
Citi Bike Plan Options
There are numerous plan options for users to choose from based on their specific needs and financial restrictions.
1. Single Ride
Single ride The single ride is a great choice for someone who is in a hurry and doesn’t know if they will need to rent a bike again.
If your bike is in the shop getting fixed or you are in a time crunch, using the one-time single-ride purchase is the best solution.
This option is $3.99 for a 30-minute ride.
2. Day Pass
The day pass is a great option for those who are visiting from out of town and want to explore the city for one day.
The day pass is $15 for an unlimited number of 45-minute rice in a 24-hour period.
3. Annual Membership
The annual membership is the most cost-effective option for those who are planning on using the bike-share program multiple times per month.
The annual pass comes to USD $15.42 per month, with the $185 billed upfront at the time of purchase.
What Does A Citibike Membership Give You?
There are numerous perks to choosing an annual membership over the one-time single-ride or day pass.
The annual Citi Bike membership includes 45-minute rides on a classic Citi Bike, with the option to upgrade to use the electric bikes for longer routes.
The electric bikes offer more convenience and pedal power for users, which can be a smart option for those who want to quickly get from Point A to Point B without putting in too much effort.
Plus, users who choose the Annual membership can have the flexibility of keeping the bike longer than the pre-set 45-minute window for just $0.15 per minute.
So, if you decide to go on a long Sunday morning cycle with your friend, you won’t have to worry about spending a fortune on your 1-hour ride!
Lastly, an annual membership breaks down to just $15.42 per month – considering the day pass is $15, this is an extremely good deal!
We also love that Citi Bike offers a green, health-conscious, and convenient way to get around a crowded city.
Users who purchase their annual membership with their Citi credit card or Citibank debit card can enjoy an additional 10% off, bringing the upfront cost to below $170 for the entire year.
Is There A Free Trial?
Citi Bike offers free 30-day memberships for new users to try their bike share program.
Users who sign up for a free trial can enjoy 30 days of unrestricted access to the Citi Bike program across tNew York City.
The free trial includes classic bikes and electric bikes, providing a huge incentive for people to try this bike-sharing program instead of other options.
How Many Bikes Can You Use At Once With A Citibike Membership?
Citi Bike started offering group rides back in 2018 after seeing how popular the bike-sharing app was for users and their friends or family.
The bike-sharing giant offers the flexibility to rent as many as four Citi Bikes for users who currently have active accounts.
Do You Need A Separate Membership For E-Bikes?
Users can get an “e-bike membership” by simply upgrading the annual membership plan to include electric bikes.
For just an additional $0.15 per minute, users can enjoy the added convenience and horsepower of an eclectic bike during those hot New York summer days.
Is A Citibike Membership Worth It?
A Citi Bike membership offers a fun and flexible way to get around New York City.
Instead of sitting in traffic and paying by the minute for an expensive taxi ride, waiting for the bus, or sitting in the crowded underground metro, renting a Citi Bike is a cost-effective and fun alternative.
Pros of a Citi Bike Membership
There are numerous pros of renting a bike instead of using other transportation methods.
One of the best perks of a Citi Bike membership is the low cost.
Taxis, gas prices, and bus passes all add up – especially if you are living in an expensive city like New York.
Instead of spending all of your hard-earned money to get from Point A to Point B in Upper Manhattan, paying for the annual Citi Bike membership will help you save money in the long run.
Plus, biking to and from work, the local grocery store, the gym, or your friends’ apartments is a great way to get in some sneaky exercise without having to plan it into your daily schedule.
Since you are probably busy with work or school, biking for just 10-15 minutes per day can provide a great health boost and cardiovascular benefit.
Lastly, bike share programs are a great asset to helping the environment.
Instead of sitting in traffic and emitting gasses into the air as your car idles, cycling can help reduce pollution and make hte world a healthier place.
Cons Pros of a Citi Bike Membership
The good thing about Citi Bike is that there are almost no downsides to paying for this helpful bike sharing service.
The only “con” of Citi Bike is the upfront cost for the annual membership.
Instead of paying $15 per month (which is what the price breaks down to), the annual membership for a Citi Bike member is billed at $185 upfront, which may be too costly for some users to pay at once.
How To Sign Up For A Citibike Membership
New users need to know the step-by-step instructions on how to sign up for a Citi Bike membership, so they get started as soon as possible!
Step By Step Instructions
- Visit the Citi Bike website.
- Click on ‘Pricing’
- Click on ‘Annual Membership Join now‘
- Choose either Citi Bike for $15.42 per month or Citi Bike + Seamless + Lyft (Lyft Pink) for $16.58 per month.
- Enter your phone number and the verification code
- Enter your name and email to create your account
- Get started!
Are you visiting New York City and want to cycle along the infamous waterways and bridges?
Maybe you are sick of sitting in traffic day in and day out on your way to the office.
Fortunately for you, Citi Bike offers flexible membership plans that make it possible for anyone and everyone to get around the beautiful New York City boroughs!
