Fighting the Citi Bike gender gap

[Eden]

We have a similar bike share program here in Seattle and we also have a helmet requirement law. There are helmets available at the bikeshare station which are cleaned between users. I have a free membership through my work…. but I've not actually tried it yet...

[Crankin]

The things Oak talks about are what stop me from ever trying a Hubway bike. They look huge, unwieldy, and unsafe in traffic for someone my size. Heck, I had issues riding a cruiser I rented in Hilton Head Island a few years ago. While I love the looks of Dutch type bikes, they are so huge and heavy, I'd never ride one, even if I lived in a flat area, where I could use it for errands.
I have no issues with vehicular cycling, but I find I have to be quick and nimble to ride this way, even in my small town traffic.

[shootingstar]

I tried a bixi bike...and found it uncomfortable to steer and still not proper fit for me! I am quite small and short. I actually nearly fell over...

Bike shares are great if bike fits you. I personally need at least hybrid bike width tires when riding in downtown areas of cities. To me, having a slightly wider tire..means it's less prone getting stuck in streetcar rails and just easier to ride over bumpy roads, manhole covers,etc. I don't need to skinny smooth road bike tires.. at the same time, I'd rather pump up a hilly street with cars behind me in a busy city when it's not knobby mountain bike tires. Sucks out too much energy for me.