Broward Kicks Off Bike-Sharing Program On Wednesday

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Pedal power will be put to the test on Wednesday when Broward officials kick off their new B-Cycle program.

B-Cycle is the first countywide bike-sharing program in the country.

Festivities begin in Hollywood, with the first kick-off launch at 10 a.m. at 326 Johnson St. near the Broadwalk. At 1:30 p.m., a launch party will be held at Esplanade Park, 400 S.W. Second St., in Ft. Lauderdale. The day will wrap up at 4 p.m. with a launch event at the Pompano Beach Aquatic Center, 798 N.E. 18 Ave., at 4 p.m. All three city events will feature mass bicycle rides.

Last year, the county's commission approved an agreement with B-Cycle to operate and manage the bike-sharing program. B-Cycle is a partnership between Trek Bicycle, Crispin Porter and Bogusky, and Humana.

All of Broward's blue B-Cycles are GPS equipped to track mileage, calories burned and carbon offsets. Users must be 18 years or older with a valid credit card for use at either online or at the bike sharing stations located throughout the County (B-stations).

Click Here for a list of B-stations.

iPhone and Android apps are available on the website.   Broward B-cycle offers a 24-Hour Pass as well two membership levels: 7-Day and Annual.  A 24-Hour Pass costs $5, a 7-Day membership costs $25 and an Annual membership costs $45.  For a limited time, enter code BCYCLE2011 on the B-Cycle website to receive $10 off an annual membership.