Department of Transportation

FAQ

1) Who can use the City Cycle Program?

City of Tucson Tucson employees working in the downtown area can check out a City Cycle bike for work related meetings, or wellness rides.

2) Is it free?

Yes, this pilot program is free to City of Tucson employees.

3) What about the bike – what’s it like?

The City Cycle program offers Dutch-style, three-speed KHS Manhattan Green bikes, available in three sizes with low and high bar frames. Each bike comes with a bike helmet, coffee shop lock & keys, and U lock. The bikes at the Community Services location may be a different style.

4) How far can I ride a bike?

Check out is first come, first serve. Generally, it is faster to bike than to drive for distances up to 2 or 3 miles away. The bikes are designed to be comfortable for short distances. Anything longer than 5 miles would be a tough workout and might not be the most time efficient way of getting around.

5) Are there any rules?

Yes, you have to wear the bike helmet provided and you have to know basic bike safety rules. You can review bike safety rules via the internet by viewing the safety presentation or at each check out location.

6) Can you take a City Cycle bike home at night?

Not at this time.

7) Can I check out a bike at a location where I don’t work?

Yes, the key qualifiers are that you be a City of Tucson employee, adhere to basic rules, ride in the downtown area, and return the bike to where you checked it out.

8) I’m a city employee but I don’t work downtown, can we get a bike at our location?

Perhaps. Contact Tom Thivener at tom.thivener@tucsonaz.gov or (520) 837-6691.

9) I haven’t ridden a bike in a long time and am feeling a little nervous…Are there any classes that I can take?

Yes! Free bike safety classes for different experience levels are available. The City of Tucson and Pima County sponsors these classes. Click on http://www.bikeped.pima.gov/SafetyClasses.htm for class information.

10) Do I have to turn in the bike at the location where I checked it out?

Yes.

11) I’m not a city employee, can I check out a City Cycle bike?

Since it’s a pilot program, we’re interested in who is interested! Please contact us so we can talk with you. For example, we’d like to work with employers to introduce bike-sharing programs to their employees.

This pilot program is for City Employees only. The program is very easy to create and won't break many businesses' budget. Tucson Department of Transportation hopes that this program will serve as a model to other employers, both big and small, so that they can host an employee bike sharing program too.

I am in the City's Wellness Program, can I count the time I spend riding these bikes towards my walking score?

Yes, the City's walking campaign will allow you to count time riding bikes.