Houston Bike Share Closing Some Stations Amid Coronavirus, Despite Strong Numbers

Gail DeLaughter | Houston Public Media

Houston BCycle recently expanded to 109 bike share stations, and the nonprofit says it’s seeing strong ridership numbers.  

But to encourage social distancing and prevent people from congregating, BCycle has now decided to close 12 of its most popular bike kiosks. 

BCycle’s Henry Morris said it appears a lot of people are now using the bikes for solitary recreation, pointing to ridership numbers from March up more than 20 percent from last year.

During the month when people started staying home, BCycle says it recorded a record 26,000 trips.

Houston BCycle Executive Director Beth Martin said the group wants to continue serving riders who need to make essential trips, along with people who ride alone or with a small group. But she’s asking people to use the bikes responsibly.

Stations in Hermann Park, Memorial Park, Stude Park, and along Buffalo Bayou will be closing as part of the decision.

BCycle says it’s sending out employees multiple times a day to sanitize the remaining bikes and stations.  It also plans to do weekly spraying with a long-lasting disinfectant, along with advising riders on safe procedures.