Kick your bike share game into high gear

If you live in Toronto, you’ve probably noticed a lot more orange around town these last few years — and not only from construction signs.

Tangerine’s partnership with Bike Share Toronto is now in its fourth season of getting Torontonians and tourists alike to traverse the town on two wheels. Today there are more than 1,000 stations and 10,000 bikes – including more than 2,300 e-bikes.

What else is new? From June 1 to July 19, Tangerine and Bike Share are excited to introduce the City Weekly Pass for soccer fans and everyone else. For a limited time and at just $40, it’s extra convenient and economical to go from match (or watch party) to dinner to home – every day for a week.

Whichever pass you have, cycling is a fun way to get around the city, and whether you're a bike-share veteran or new to the adventure, here are some tips to make the most out of it.

1. Go mobile: You can take out a bike just using a credit card, and Toronto members can use a key card to unlock a set of wheels. But the Bike Share Toronto mobile app kicks the convenience up to the next gear. Use the app to check the map, go to your nearest station, and scan the QR code on your bike of choice to instantly unlock it.

2. Buy a pass: If you don't already have a pass, you can purchase one in advance. There’s a pay-as-you-go pass or a day pass, as well as two types of annual memberships, which can be a more economical option for locals and regulars. Click for full pricing details.

3. Understand what the pass is for: Let's say you've just purchased a day pass or annual membership. This gives you unlimited rides for the duration of the pass as long as each ride is below the specified time limit. (This can be 30, 45 or 90 minutes, depending on the pass.) When you exceed the time limit, you'll be charged a small fee for every additional minute. Note: with e-bikes, there's no grace period. You're always paying by the minute.

4. Fashion tip: Wear a colour that goes well with bright orange.

5. Plan your journey: Confirm your origin and destination. Use the mobile app to check that there are bikes available nearby and that there are empty slots available at your destination. This is especially important for e-bikes, where you're paying by the minute — you wouldn't want to have to ride from station to station looking for available slots.

6. Use a bike valet during peak hours: Some stations are bound to get overloaded with bike traffic during rush hour, or before a concert or sporting event. This is why Toronto offers free valet service at certain locations during peak hours, to ensure everyone can safely drop off their bike without having to worry whether a slot is available.

7. Safety tip: Wear a helmet. Orange detailing optional.

8. Plan your journey, part two: Find the best bike routes along the way. Toronto has a growing network of bike lanes and paths — but it's still possible to wind up on a bike-unfriendly street.

9. No stamina? No problem: If you're concerned about steep inclines heading up the Don Valley, an e-bike rental can help you conquer your fears along with those hills.

10. Choose the right bike for you: This can be a matter of preference, but I tend to choose my three-speed steed based on seat, which can differ from bike to bike. I also look for one that appears newer, though that doesn't necessarily indicate a smoother ride.

11. Inspect it: Bell? Check. Inflated tires? Check. Give it a little shake. (I'm not sure why people do this, but I've also picked up the habit.) Adjust the height of the saddle. Now you're good to go. If you're riding an e-bike, check the battery charge indicator to confirm how much power you've got left.

12. Send it for repairs: If there's an issue with the bike, you can return it, and press the "wrench" button on the dock to alert maintenance staff. You can then use your pass to take out another.

13. Plan a pit stop: If you're doing an extra-long route, consider points along the way where you can exchange bikes to reset your 30- or 45-minute grace period. In Toronto, for instance, the system extends from Marie Curtis Park in the west to Rouge National Urban Park in the east, a route that extends more than 50 kilometres and can last two to three hours on a non-motorized bike.

14. Ride alert: Watch out for pedestrians, drivers, pets, potholes, strollers, other cyclists and those notorious streetcar tracks.

15. Save on cycling: Did you know? You could earn 2% cash back or 1.5x Scene+ points when you pay for your membership with a Tangerine Credit Card by choosing “transportation" as one of your preferred rewards categories. 

16. Be courteous: Ring that bell!

17. Most importantly: Have fun while the weather lasts.