Bike-sharing programs are expected to spread USA

According to reports the Minneapolis will become the second city following Denver to carry out bike-sharing programs. By carrying out the programs, the two leading cities expect more cities to join them to give the car-crazy America a relief from obesity, traffic jams and air pollution.

The plan will go like this: 700 bicycles will be placed in 65 kiosks for citizens to use. And riders can use a keycard to pick up a bike and return the bikes to any kiosks available and convenient to the users. By so far, Minneapolis is one of the largest cities carrying out this program, but if Washington and Arlington also join the programs, the title would be taken away. Never mind, though, what’s important is that many Minnesota Vikings fans may choose to ride to the Metrodome on bicycles for Vikings games. Imagine how wonderful it would be as you can judge who are your fellow fans simply by seeing what jerseys they are wearing. If riding a car, you surely cannot see whether the driver and passengers are wearing Brett Favre jerseys. Riding a bicycle is not only a way to make the city cleaner but also a method to improve people’s communications with each other.

However, there are still a few problems to solve. One of the most urgent is on how to prevent the bikes from being lost, stolen or vandalized. Some people have proposed to use standardized bikes and lock them in a kiosk, and only a rider with a keycard can unlock it. Hope it works well and helps improve the plan.