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Bikeshare Hawaii Executive Director Lori McCarney recently answered a few questions from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser about using Biki.
QUESTION: Why doesn’t the Biki app provide a real-time account of minutes used?
ANSWER: The app was updated last week to provide this information.
Q: When will Biki Stops be available at Kapiolani Park? What is the status of negotiations with the park trust?
A: We will await direction from the city about this. It is not our call.
BIKI RATES
>> $3.50 for a single 30-minute ride
>> $15 monthly pass (unlimited 30-minute rides)
>> $20 Free Spirit pass (300 flexible minutes)
>> $25 monthly pass (unlimited 60-minute rides)
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Star-Advertiser staffers go holoholo with Biki
Q: Why is there a $50 holding fee if I am using a credit card? Will I be charged interest?
A: The three- to five-day hold helps with potential fraud for purchases made at a Biki kiosk. If you sign up at gobiki.org or on the app, you become a member and no hold is placed. That is because we have a bit more info about you, including your address. No interest is charged on the holding fee.
Q: Why do Biki Stops take up valuable parking spaces in neighborhoods such as Kakaako and Waikiki where parking is already difficult?
A: We looked to put stations close enough together so they provided more utility for users. Having a dense network is a best practice in bike-share, and cities that have had few stations or stations far from each other struggle with ridership. Our first choice was wide sidewalks, then areas on the street that were not parking. Parking places were our last choice.
Q: Why aren’t there any Biki Stops in the Ward Village area, where many people might want to shop or eat?
A: We agree that Biki Stops in Ward Village are desirable, and we’re finalizing our agreement with Ward Village to place them on their private property.
Q: What happens if the Biki rack is full when I want to return my bike?
A: Visit the kiosk and request 15 minutes of free time to bike to another, close-by Biki Stop (another reason to have them close together).
Q: What do I do if I have trouble with the Biki system while on the road?
A: If mechanical, dock the bike at a nearby Biki Stop and hit the red “mechanic” key to notify our team. Then grab another bike. The Biki Customer Service Center is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. The toll-free phone number is (888) 340-2454.
Q: What kind of agreement does Biki have with the city to replace parking meter spaces with Biki Stops?
A: Just like in other cities, bike-share does not pay for locations. This is because the benefit provided to the community (or a business when a station is placed on private property) is deemed to be beneficial to the property owner. In this case, public property will have higher utilization when 15 bike docking points replace two parking places.
Q: Is there a grace period if I go over 30 minutes on a $3.50 rental?
A: If you go over 30 minutes, you will start another 30-minute period and be charged another $3.50. There is no grace period.
Q: What happens if my Biki bike is stolen or damaged?
A: A Biki bike is your responsibility when it’s with you, so never leave it unattended. For your peace of mind and to save money, always dock your bike at a Biki Stop. Be sure to wait for the green light to ensure we know you’ve checked it back in. There is a lost-bike fee of $1,200 to cover its replacement. Normal wear and tear on a bike is expected, but if you do damage it, you are responsible for the cost to fix it.
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