Unlock a Bikeshare Bike

With Transit, you can purchase bikeshare passes and unlock bikes directly in the app. Here’s how to unlock a bike, once you’ve bought a pass.

Here's what this article covers:

Locate Bikeshare Stations

Pin icons on the map indicate the locations of nearby bikeshare docks. The level within each pin shows you how many bikes are available at the station, and you can tap each pin to see how exactly many bikes and docks are available. 

Pro Tip: Our multimodal trip planner, Transit+, can help you find trips that combine bikeshare with public transport and get you to your destination as quickly as possible.

Purchase a Bikeshare Pass

If you haven't purchased a pass for your local bikeshare system yet, you can read more about it here: Purchase a Bikeshare Pass

Unlock a Bike 

When you're near a bikeshare station (less than 50 meters away), you'll be able to unlock a bike with just a tap! Tap  Unlock a bike to get a ride code.

Notes:
  • Some bikeshare systems require some specific type of passes in order for you to easily unlock a bike.
  • Some bikeshare systems require tapping a button on the dock before users can unlock a bike. 

If you're not directly near a station or if your bikeshare plan doesn't have the option to unlock a bike right away, follow the steps below:

  1. Select the bikeshare station closest to you. You can: 
    1. Tap the bikeshare station on the map.  
    2. Find the bikeshare card in the list of nearby routes and tap Unlock a bike.

      Note: You won't be able to get a ride code if you're too far away from the selected station. If you request a ride code for a different station, it will not unlock a bike at your nearest station.
  2. In the bikeshare station's details:
    1. If you haven't already signed in, tap Connect here to sign in to your account.
    2. If you don't have an account yet, select the pass you'd like to purchase and create an account.
  3. Tap Unlock a bike.
  4. You'll see a popup with a series of numbers. 
  5. Select a bike at the station and enter the 5-digit ride code provided in the app in the keypad to the left of the bike.
  6. When the green light displays on the bike dock, pull the bike back firmly from the dock.
  7. Adjust the seat to your preference, strap on a helmet and pedal away!

Note:

  • Your ride code will expire after a set amount of time, so you’ll need to request a new one when the time’s up.
  • Ride codes are good for only one trip. You’ll be able to request a new code free of charge within the period of your pass.
  • Bikeshare networks have a maximum duration of free trips included in your pass. In most cases, this is 30 minutes. Trips longer than this will incur additional usage fees.

Plan a Bikeshare Trip

Transit can help you get directions that include the most convenient stations at which to unlock and return your bike. 

  • Make sure your local bikeshare option is enabled in the list of transit modes.
  • Plan your trip.
  • Tap the trip in the results to see details about which stations to use. 
  • Tap Unlock a bike to start your trip!   
  • Pro Tip: You will be able to see additional bikeshare stations near your origin and destination. If you prefer to start or end at a different bikeshare dock, tap these pins on the map to re-route your trip to or from this station.

    Troubleshoot Bikeshare Problems in Transit

    Payment and Code Problems

    If you experience issues with payment or ride codes (incorrect payment, code doesn't work, etc.), contact the customer service department of your local bikeshare system directly. They're in a better position to identify where the issue occurred.

    Station Connectivity Problems

    Rarely, there can be problems with the connection between the app and the bikeshare system. In this case, you will see the following error message:

    "The connection to that station could not be established. Please try again later."

    This is a problem with the bikeshare stations themselves, and is out of our control. We keep a record of these errors for the bikeshare operators to help them investigate persistent issues.

    We suggest contacting the bikeshare operator directly if you continue to get this error message when trying to take out a bike. 

    Login Problems

    If you are unable to log in to your bikeshare account, or if you're not able to get a ride code, report a bug through Transit.
    See how to do that here: Report a Bug

    Please include your bikeshare e-mail address, a few details about the problem, and any relevant screenshots so we can help you out!

    List of Bike Share Systems Supported for Unlocking

    Did this answer your question? Thanks for the feedback There was a problem submitting your feedback. Please try again later.