Downtown Minneapolis and ghe U of M are full of these happy bright green bikes. I stopped a user in downtown Minneapolis and asked a boatload of questions. She was very patient, and explained the whole thing to me. I would like to get see system like this get established back in Texas. :)
From the Nice Ride Minnesota website: (
visit link)
"Nice Ride is a non-profit organization, and anyone can become a subscriber. Simply take a bike when you need one, and return it to any station in the system when you arrive at your destination. It's fast, easy and affordable.
How much does it cost?
To use Nice Ride, you must first purchase a subscription. The cost to use the Nice Ride system is a combination of your subscription price, plus trip fees for any rides lasting more than 30 minutes.
•A trip starts when you take a bike and ends when you return it to any station.
• No trip fee for the first 30 minutes of every trip. Trips lasting more than 30 minutes will incur trip fees. Note: trip fees can add up fast, see chart below
•To avoid trip fees, simply return your bike to a station within 30 minutes, and check out another one.
•Take as many trips as you want during your subscription.
Using Nice Ride
To use Nice Ride, you need a subscription. 24-hour subscriptions can be purchased using a credit card at the pay station located at each Nice Ride station. Users can also purchase a 1 year or 30-day subscription at substantial savings over 24-hour subscription by signing up on line. 24-hour subscribers will be issued unlocking codes at the pay station, 1 year and 30-day subscribers will receive a Nice Ride key. Simply enter the unlocking code or insert your key in the dock of an available bike. When the green light turns on, pull the handlebars firmly toward you to release the bike.
You pay: Subscription Price + Trip Fees
You can return your bike to any station in the system. Choose an empty space and push your bike firmly into the dock. When the bike is properly locked, the green light on the dock will turn on. Make sure the green light turns on. A bike that is not properly returned remains your responsibility. If you have trouble locking your bike, please try another dock.
No space available to return your bike?
Go to the pay station and insert your credit card, or enter the number on the back of your key to get another 15 free minutes to get to another station. At the pay station, you can check the status of nearby stations to find an available bike dock.
What to do if your bike needs repair
Just lock your bike at a station and notify us by pushing the red button on the dock. In case of difficulty contact customer service at 1-877-551-6423. Never abandon a defective bike. It remains your responsibility until it is properly returned.
The Nice Ride season
Nice Ride bicycles are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from April to November. All Nice Ride stations will be removed from the streets during the snowy winter months.
Longer Term Rentals
Nice Ride is specifically targeted at short term rentals. If you would like to rent a bike for an extended period of time, we recommend that you use a local bike rental service."