BCycle ending June 30, nonprofit cites inability to continue

BCycle, the system of kiosks with available bikes spread across Downtown, Midtown and other locations, will close June 30, officials at the nonprofit that operates it announced.

“Despite our efforts, Houston Bike Share, the nonprofit operator, has been unable to secure the funding and leadership necessary to continue its operations,” the group said.

BCycle, popular with recreational cyclists along Houston’s bayou trails and throughout downtown, has grown from a pilot of three stations and a dozen bikes in the central business district to more than 100 locations offering more than 700 bikes, including 100 pedal-assist electric bikes.

This growth, however, strained the resources of the nonprofit organization that was supposed to maintain and distribute bikes in the region. Offering daily, monthly and annual subscriptions, as well as fees for using bikes for extended periods, have never been enough to cover costs. Grants and corporate sponsorships covered part of the deficit, but as the system grew and the pandemic changed funding, the nonprofit found itself underwater.

“We hope that Houston will soon find a way to reintroduce bike sharing,” the nonprofit said.