BCycle, Houston bike share program, ends after giving city additional transport options for years

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston’s bike share system, BCycle, has come to a halt after several years of operation, leaving many riders confused.

Upon arriving at Eleanor Tinsley Park on Monday, numerous riders found themselves bewildered and disappointed.

“I didn’t know,” Stephanie Resendiz said. “There’s no sign. I was kind of bummed out. I wish it were open.”

Resendiz had paid for a rental but found the bike wouldn’t budge because the service had closed over the weekend.

“I really hoped they were open,” Resendiz said. “We were trying to ride the bikes and stuff.”

Financial issues led to the program’s shutdown. The bike share had 300,000 users in 2020, but the number dwindled to fewer than 50,000 by 2024.

“It’s really difficult after so many years and really quite a bit of success showing how Houstonians will take to bikes when they’re affordable and available,” said Houston Bike Share Vice Chair James Llamas.

Llamas noted that despite the city’s $500,000 contribution late last year, it was too late to save the program. He emphasized that public funding is crucial for bike shares to thrive.

“We’ll see if there’s an outcry or an outpouring of support for this,” Llamas said. “What a lot of other cities have transitioned to is the public transportation agency to support and or operate the bike share program.”

METRO for its perspective on the future of bike share programs. METRO is exploring new options, including bike share programs.

Though the city’s service has ended, bike rentals may return as METRO is currently reviewing potential solutions.

The Baker Institute recently analyzed public transportation in Harris County, finding that ridership has decreased by over 20% since 2020. Park N’ Ride usage fell by nearly 50% in January 2024 compared to January 2020.

The survey found that 66% of residents hadn’t used METRO in a year, and only one in eight used it weekly.

Researchers suggested that this doesn’t mean support should cease for public transportation; instead, studies should focus on generating new demand.

For some, the solution lies in bikes rather than buses and rails. “I think they should bring it back, to be honest,” Andre Garcia said.

Houston BCycle stated that about ten employees would be unemployed this summer. Bikes and stands are expected to remain visible for several weeks. The city, which owns the equipment purchased through a grant, may sell it.