{"id":24510,"date":"2015-09-14T13:21:03","date_gmt":"2015-09-14T13:21:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wordpress-367309-1145710.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=24510"},"modified":"2015-09-14T13:21:03","modified_gmt":"2015-09-14T13:21:03","slug":"indego-bikeshare-is-special","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/indego-bikeshare-is-special\/","title":{"rendered":"Indego Bikeshare Is Special"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Cash or Credit.&#8221; Sounds like a good deal.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rideindego.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indego\u00a0Bike Share<\/a> is now\u00a0offering affordable bicycling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania &#8212; not just another bikesharing program for the well-off. I believe Philadelphia to be a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.centercityphila.org\/docs\/walkphila_infosheet.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">very pleasant city for\u00a0pedestrians<\/a>, due to longtime experience living there.\u00a0Pedestrian life equates to more balance of the mind &#8212; walking is a good way to balance the brain. But now seems to be the time to make it better for bicyclists.<\/p>\n<p>Bicycling projects in\u00a0Philly are reinventing a bit of the city. Due to the city&#8217;s age-old\u00a0mass transit system and sometimes-walkable, sometimes-crowded streets, bicycles in widespread use\u00a0are rather new &#8212; or old depending on how far back one looks, I suppose. Indego is advancing the cause by partnering with <a href=\"http:\/\/paynearme.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PayNearMe<\/a><em>\u00a0<\/em>to encourage affordable bicycling.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the narrow, cobblestone streets, pedestrian life was and is easy in Center City. However, even in recent years, one sees only a few bicyclists there. As far as I can tell, the streets in Center City are so narrow that bike paths seemed like an elusive idea. However, it seems thing are changing now.<\/p>\n<p>On into South <a href=\"http:\/\/cleantechnica.com\/2010\/09\/15\/philadelphia-trains-to-use-energy-created-from-braking-help-power-the-electric-grid\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Philadelphia<\/a>, pedestrian activity to get a bagel on Sunday mornings seems safe enough. However, South Philly has many sides. The outer layers of the city and the longer urban areas around universities have been in more need of bicycles. The Indego bikeshare is\u00a0improving the situation.<\/p>\n<p>A citywide bikeshare in Philly may help students or visitors requiring a quick and unrestrictive\u00a0means of transit.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rideindego.com\/stations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The online station map of <em>rideindego.com\u00a0<\/em>here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zURnAjb3hwA\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><center><script type=\"text\/javascript\"><!--\ngoogle_ad_client = \"ca-pub-6260354429531949\";\n\/* Cynthia CT *\/\ngoogle_ad_slot = \"8052958788\";\ngoogle_ad_width = 468;\ngoogle_ad_height = 60;\n\/\/-->\n<\/script><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\"\nsrc=\"http:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/show_ads.js\">\n<\/script><\/center>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>And here are some riding tips from <em><a href=\"http:\/\/www.rideindego.com\/riding-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indego<\/a><\/em>:<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<h2>Before your ride:<\/h2>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/cleantechnica.com\/files\/2015\/09\/Indego-1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-89101\" src=\"http:\/\/cleantechnica.com\/files\/2015\/09\/Indego-1-270x179.jpg\" alt=\"Indego 1\" \/><\/a>Bring a helmet<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>You should always wear a helmet when riding an Indego bike. Make sure to bring one with you when you know you\u2019re heading out for a ride. Don\u2019t have a helmet?\u00a0Show your Indego Key at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.rideindego.com\/get-10-off-a-helmet-at-these-retailers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">these participating retailers<\/a>\u00a0and get 10% off your helmet purchase!<\/p>\n<h3><strong>Check your bike<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Indego crews regularly check each bike to make sure it is ready to ride, but you should always give a bike a once-over before hopping on. If you find any issues with the bike, contact customer service immediately, and select a different bike to ride.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Seat: Indego bike seats are easily adjustable. Just open the clamp on the seat post, lower or raise your seat, and close the clamp again. Make sure the seat is straight and doesn\u2019t move. Most people prefer their seat to be high enough so they can straighten their legs while pedaling.<\/li>\n<li>Air: Make sure each tire is fully inflated by pressing down on it. If it flattens under pressure, select another bike.<\/li>\n<li>Brakes: Make sure the brake cables are working properly by pressing each lever next to the handlebars. If you don\u2019t feel any resistance, select a different bike.<\/li>\n<li>Wheels: Give each wheel a spin to check that it does not catch against the brake pads or anything else.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Plan your route<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Philadelphia has plenty of options for riding depending on your comfort level, from trails and paths to bike lanes and shared traffic lanes. Knowing the best route to take ahead of time often makes a bicycle trip easier. You can look up route ideas in several ways:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Indego\u2019s kiosk maps and <a title=\"Station Map\" href=\"http:\/\/www.rideindego.com\/station-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online station map<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/bicyclecoalition.org\/ride-your-bike\/bike-maps\/#sthash.MLDzqgsX.yvWZqX2M.dpbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Philadelphia\u2019s bike map<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Google Maps<\/a> allows you to select a bicycle as your means of transportation and gives you the best route and elevation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>During\u00a0your ride:<\/h2>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"http:\/\/cleantechnica.com\/files\/2015\/09\/DBP_2429-1024x680.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-89102\" src=\"http:\/\/cleantechnica.com\/files\/2015\/09\/DBP_2429-1024x680-270x179.jpg\" alt=\"DBP_2429-1024x680\" \/><\/a>Follow the rules:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Never ride against traffic. You don\u2019t want to be a salmon swimming upstream!<\/li>\n<li>Walk your bike on the sidewalk. It\u2019s called a sideWALK, not a sideRIDE.<\/li>\n<li>Obey traffic lights, stop signs, and yield signs.<br \/>\nThe <a href=\"http:\/\/bicyclecoalition.org\/ride-your-bike\/bike-laws\/#sthash.1b2ypsNK.rHQxnnG5.dpbs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia<\/a> has a comprehensive list of biking laws in Philly and in Pennsylvania.<\/li>\n<li>Only one person per bike. The rack on the back of your Indego bike is for bags, not butts!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Make it easy for drivers and pedestrians to know your next move:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t weave in and out of traffic. It\u2019s always safer to ride in a straight line.<\/li>\n<li>Signal your next move. If you are turning, point in the direction you are going. This helps cars and other cyclists understand your intentions.<\/li>\n<li>Use bike lanes where available, unless you are turning or it\u2019s unsafe to do so. If the street is too narrow for cars and bicycles to safely travel next to each other, you have the right to ride in the middle of the lane.<\/li>\n<li>Ride four feet away from parked cars to avoid the \u201cdoor zone.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><strong>Pay attention and communicate:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Never ride with headphones; it\u2019s important to hear what\u2019s going on around you.<\/li>\n<li>Always yield to pedestrians.<\/li>\n<li>Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians before passing.<\/li>\n<li>Always pass on the left. Use your bell or say \u201con your left\u201d to let pedestrians and riders know you\u2019re passing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>At the end of your ride:<\/strong><\/h2>\n<\/blockquote>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<blockquote><p>When returning your Indego bike to a station, make sure it is securely locked. The dock will beep and a green light will indicate\u00a0a successful return.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<blockquote><p>If you\u2019ve had any issues with your bike during your ride, contact customer service.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<blockquote><p>If you\u2019re an IndegoFlex or Indego30 member, check your online profile to see data from your trip.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>One thing that struck me while I researched this bikeshare was some\u00a0good information from\u00a0<em><a href=\"http:\/\/planphilly.com\/articles\/2015\/02\/23\/philly-bike-share-update-how-cash-rentals-will-work-apps-maps-and-more\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">PlanPhilly<\/a><\/em>. And a bit from Jim Saksa. Saksa is a transportation reporter for <em>PlanPhilly<\/em>. Saksa mentions that he was &#8220;plagued&#8221; by his language deficiencies in Barcelona\u00a0trying to use a bikeshare. A few of Saksa&#8217;s comments are below, including quotes from Andrew Stober, the Chief of Staff in the Mayor\u2019s Office of Transportation and Utilities:<\/p>\n<blockquote><p>Language deficiencies like those that plagued me in Barcelona shouldn\u2019t stop non-English speakers from accessing Indego, Stober said. Learning from CitiBike in New York City, the bike docking stations will be designed with \u201ciconography that explains how to get the bike,\u201d said Stober.\u00a0The idea is to make the icons so clear, \u201cit will be universally understood what the steps are to use a bike [from Indego].\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Also check out these\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/planetsave.com\/2015\/06\/29\/safe-commuting-bicycle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">safety rules for bicycles<\/a>\u00a0&#8212;\u00a0relevant, whether you are in a similar Hemingwayesque mood or other.<\/p>\n<p>And if wondering about safety in long stretches of unfamiliar neighborhoods, perhaps a Philly form of\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/bikocity.com\/la-bike-trains-transforming-the-mean-streets-of-los-angeles\/\" target=\"_blank\">LA Bike Trains<\/a>\u00a0needs to pop up. This group shares route information and skills, and even mentors new cyclists into\u00a0commuting by bike.<\/p>\n<p>Related Stories:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/ecolocalizer.com\/2015\/01\/15\/jersey-city-joins-new-york-city-bike-share-program\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jersey City Joins New York City Bike Share Program<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><a href=\"http:\/\/sustainablog.org\/2008\/10\/how-to-winterize-your-bicycle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to \u201cWinterize\u201d Your Bicycle!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Cash or Credit.&#8221; Sounds like a good deal.\u00a0Indego\u00a0Bike Share is now\u00a0offering affordable bicycling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania &#8212; not just another bikesharing program for the well-off. I believe Philadelphia to be a very pleasant city for\u00a0pedestrians, due to longtime experience living there.\u00a0Pedestrian life equates to more balance of the mind &#8212; walking is a good way &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/indego-bikeshare-is-special\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Indego Bikeshare Is Special<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":24511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1107],"tags":[1565,440,442],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special.jpg",1280,720,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special-300x169.jpg",300,169,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special.jpg",768,432,false],"large":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special-800x450.jpg",800,450,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special.jpg",1280,720,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/09\/indego-bikeshare-is-special.jpg",1280,720,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Cynthia","author_link":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/author\/cynthia\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"&#8220;Cash or Credit.&#8221; Sounds like a good deal.\u00a0Indego\u00a0Bike Share is now\u00a0offering affordable bicycling in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania &#8212; not just another bikesharing program for the well-off. I believe Philadelphia to be a very pleasant city for\u00a0pedestrians, due to longtime experience living there.\u00a0Pedestrian life equates to more balance of the mind &#8212; walking is a good way&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24510"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24510"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24510\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikocity.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}