Frequently Asked Questions

General

What are Cincinnati bike laws?

Visit Cincinnati Bike Laws and Kentucky Bike Laws for more information. All Red Bike members are expected to always observe local bike laws.

How does the bike lock work?

Will I need to wear a helmet?

There is no federal law in the U.S. requiring bicycle helmets, but Red Bike strongly recommends wearing a helmet whenever riding a bicycle. Red Bike does not provide users with a helmet. We strongly encourage all users to bring their own helmet, and to ride as cautiously as possible.

Ride Tips

Inspect the bike – Make sure to check brakes, tires, and the front/rear lights before riding. Problems? Re-dock the bike and give us a call at 513-621-2453
Wear a helmet – Keep your noggin’ protected!
Stay safe – Make sure to observe local traffic signs, signals, and laws at all times. Make sure to bike in the street and not on the sidewalk!
Plan a route – Know where you’re headed. Download our mobile app BCycle for the most up-to-date station map. – Check out more tips – Riding for the first time and need additional tips? Check out this article!

Account / Billing

How do I purchase a pass?

Two-Hour Passes can be either purchased online through our website (which are activated at the kiosk upon first use), through our app, or they can be purchased from any Red Bike kiosk station. Annual and Monthly Passes can be purchased online through our website or through our app.

How do I purchase gift passes?

Annual Gift Passes and Two Hour Gift Passes can be purchased here.

What are usage fees?

When a bike is kept out beyond the two hour limit, $5 is accrued for every subsequent hour interval (up to a maximum of $20). The two hour limit is to encourage on-demand trips, as we are a bike share system, not explicitly a bike rental system. Some users like to take longer rides or keep the bike out beyond two hours, which is fine, but that’s technically one less bike available in the share system for someone else to use.
If you want to keep riding and avoid usage fees, you simply need to close out your current trip and start a new one. This effectively resets the trip clock and can be done from any kiosk station. Locate a nearby station and dock the bike to close out your current trip. Listen for 3 beeps to confirm your bike is docked. If you are using the app, check out a new bike. If you are using the station kiosk, hit “I have a pass” and enter your phone number to complete 2-step verification. You may also swipe the associated credit card. Select the dock number icon for that same bike or another, wait for the beeps, and remove the bike from the dock. Your trip clock restarts, and you’re set for another two hours!
If you have any questions regarding overage fees that you’ve accumulated,
contact us at 513-621-2453.

Can I use my Annual Pass in other cities?

No, Annual Passes are no longer honored in other BCycle cities.

Riding

What if I want to ride longer than two hours?

No problem! You will be assessed a $5 usage fee for every additional hour a bike is kept out. The bike must be returned to a station by the end of that calendar day.

What if a station is full?

If a station is full when you arrive, check the BCycle app for a list of nearby stations with available docks, or call us at 513-621-2453.

What if a station is empty?

If a station is empty when you arrive, go to the kiosk, check the BCycle app for a list of nearby stations with available bikes, or call us at 513-621-2453.

What if I have a flat tire?

If the bike has a flat tire or you’re experiencing another issue with it, please return the bike to the nearest station. Call our Customer Service at 513-621-2453, or text us at 513-441-0862 so we can lock the bike down for repair. If you cannot get the bike to a nearby station, properly secure the bike with the built-in lock and alert our Customer Service immediately to let us know.

What if I’m involved in an accident?

If there has been an injury, please dial 911 first. If appropriate, contact the local police as well. As in any accident, exchange information with any other affected party and collect contact information from witnesses. Contact our Customer Service at 513-621-2453 at the earliest appropriate time.