Launching this summer is New York City’s first ever Bike Share, a privately held company allowing Manhattan and Brooklynites to, well, share bicycles with one another. According the Bike Share’s official website, wannabe-cyclists can either sign up for a Registered (long-term) membership via their website, or Casual (short-term) membership via the kiosk station at the site of the station.

Bicycles will be awaiting use in hundreds of stations throughout the city and unlocked either by key (for Registered users) or a one-time passcode (for Casual users). Pedaled out? Simply drop your wheels off at the nearest Bike Share station!

With the expansion of bike lanes throughout the city, the Bike Share can be a cost efficient way to commute to work, meet your friends, or catch a flick downtown, all the while avoiding cramped subway cars and traffic-prone taxicabs.  The website has yet to announce their pricing plan, but according to the Share’s Washington DC branch, an annual membership is $75 and a twenty-four hour rental is just $7. Just think, New York City residents pay $104 a month for an unlimited MetroCard, imagine the possibilities if you commuted via bicycle? It would allow you to keep your green all the while being green.

Given the success of DC’s Bike Share, there is much potential that lies ahead. Just don’t forget to wear a helmet; those cabbies will not be happy campers when they lose your business!

Image: NYC Bike Share

Caitlin Colford is a quirky writer and actress hailing from New York City. If you feel so inclined, please feel free to follow her on Twitter @caitypoops.