Boston recently went out to bid on a large bicycle sharing system, reminiscent of the programs in place in many major European cities. Under the system, the city would provide hundreds of bicycles to the public at little or no cost. Users would leave a credit card deposit to discourage theft, check a bike out of an electronic kiosk near their starting point, and check the bike back in at another kiosk near their destination. City officials hope the ease and convenience of the system will lure many commuters out of their cars.

Boston recently went out to bid on a large bicycle sharing system, reminiscent of the programs in place in many major European cities. Under the system, the city would provide hundreds of bicycles to the public at little or no cost. Users would leave a credit card deposit to discourage theft, check a bike out of an electronic kiosk near their starting point, and check the bike back in at another kiosk near their destination. City officials hope the ease and convenience of the system will lure many commuters out of their cars.