(Jeremy C. Fox for Boston.com)
A Hubway map shows bicycle stations available as of March 29.
Boston’s Hubway bike-sharing system is scheduled to be back in full force by April 1, with many bike stations already in place since work began on March 15.
For 2012, there will be new locations at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, Seaport Hotel, and Cambridge Street in downtown Boston. Some less popular stations will be relocated to the new sites.
“There is a new barometer for spring in Boston,” said Scott Mullen, Hubway general manager, in a statement released by Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s office. “People mark the onset of spring by Marathon Monday and opening day at Fenway Park. Now they can add the relaunch of the New Balance Hubway to that list.”
Hubway launched last July 28 with 61 stations and 610 bicycles. According to figures released by the city, Hubway riders logged more than 140,000 rides before the season closed on Nov. 30. The system attracted more than 3,700 members in 2011 and almost 30,000 casual users.
“We are very proud of the success of the New Balance Hubway in its first year and look forward to its growth in 2012,” Menino said in the statement. “As warm weather returns and more residents are spending time outside, it’s great to see so many people eager to explore our great city through Hubway and our 50 miles of bike lane.”
Menino encourages Hubway users and all bicyclists to ride safely, observing traffic laws and always wearing a helmet.
The Hubway system offers three membership options for riders: an annual membership for $85; a casual, three-day membership for $12; or a casual 24-hour membership for $5. Rides less than 30 minutes are free with any membership. Longer rides cost from $1.50 for just under an hour to $75 for rides lasting between seven and 24 hours. Registered annual members receive a 25 percent discount.
Biking will be a little easier in the city this year, with new bike lines on Massachusetts and Commonwealth avenues — the streets with the highest cyclist accident rates in the city. Boston’s streets now have more than 50 miles of bike lanes.
Boston Bikes has plans to further expand the system, with new locations in Roxbury, Dorchester Jamaica Plain, and Charlestown, as well as the Back Bay and downtown. Brookline, Cambridge, and Somerville have plans to launch about 30 stations later this year.
Hubway users can locate stations near them by visiting http://thehubway.com/stations and download a free Spotcycle smartphone application at http://www.spotcycle.net/.
For more information about Hubway or to sign up for an annual membership, visit http://www.thehubway.com/. For more information on biking in Boston, visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/bikes/.
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