Have you seen the yellow bikes parked in corners around Downtown Dallas? The city is switching gears by offering a new kind of ride-share program. This time the transportation only has two wheels.
Dallas News reports that bike share programs have grown from four U.S. systems in 2010 to over 55 in 2016. New York’s CitiBike is the largest of these ride share programs with 10,000 bikes and 600 stations across The Big Apple. Fort Worth has had their own bike share program for around four years with 350 bicycles and around 45 stations.
Now it’s Dallas’ turn. Here’s where you can find the bikes around town.
So, how does it all work?
The most popular bikeshare program in Dallas is called VBikes. This bikeshare company was created in Garland, Texas. With VBikes you can burn a few calories and reduce your own carbon footprint, whether commuting to work or running errands.
To use VBikes, first download the VBikes app in the Apple Store or via Google Play. The GPS-enabled VBikes app makes locating the bicycles a breeze — you have access to their location, right in the palm of your hand.
And, with the app, your phone becomes a key to unlock the rideshare bikes. Place your phone above the lock near the rear tire and unlock the smart lock. Now, you’re good to go.
Ride for up to 10 hours, at $1 per hour (with a $99 refundable deposit). When you’ve arrived at your destination or finished your ride simply lock up the bike at a station and be on your way.
In addition to VBikes, Spin, another app-powered bike share company just rolled out 50 new bikes this month. San Francisco-based Spin is different than VBikes, as you can park the bike anywhere — just think where you would park your own bike. Newcomer Lime Bike is set the join the rideshare community in the coming weeks.
Let’s ride!
Dallas is home to dozens of discoverable bike trails. Whether you want to break a sweat or take a scenic cruise around the city, these bike trails cover it all.
Katy Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles
Located between Oak Lawn and Uptown, Katy Trail makes for a great short cut when commuting in some of the more congested areas of town.
Kiest Park Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2.8 miles
Connecting gardens, playgrounds and athletic rec areas, Kiest Park Trail winds around the perimeter of Southwest Dallas’ 264-acre Kiest Park.
L.B. Houston Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Multiple tracks
Buckle up your helmet and hit the greenbelt. There are a handful of loops and tracks to discover along the L.B. Houston Trail.
Sante Fe Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 miles
Connecting the Mount Auburn and Hollywood/Santa Monica Neighborhoods with White Rock Lake, a ride on this trail, which takes up residence in an old railway right-of-way, is a great way to explore Lower East Dallas.
Bachman Lake Park
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 3.5 miles
Take time to look up when riding along the trails at Bachman Lake Park. Aircraft are taking off and landing nearby, as this park is located just north of the airport, providing riders with spectacular views of aircrafts.
Trinity Forest Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 miles
Cyclists will cross a bridge and will pass by ponds and majestic trees along this quiet trail. Those seeking solitude will enjoy Trinity Forest Trail, which is just a few miles from Downtown Dallas.
White Rock Lake Loop Trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 9.4 miles
There’s no shortage of scenic outlooks on the city’s most popular trail. This bike-friendly trail links many historic sites and provides picturesque views of White Rock Lake.
