Free-Floating Bike Share

Updated: December 19, 2018

What is Bike Share?

Bike share lets you borrow a bike for a quick errand, a trip to Link light rail, an all-day adventure, and everything in between. You pick up the bikeshare bike closest to you, ride it to where you want to go, and leave the bike for the next person to ride.

How does it work?

Bike share in Seattle is run by three private vendors, Jump, Lime, and Lyft. In order to operate any of the bikes from the three vendors, you will need to download the company’s app, and follow the instructions provided.

Be sure to check with each company for prices and ways to rent a bike without a smartphone.

Bike share users should know how to ride a bike and should be familiar with local bike laws. Don’t forget your helmet!

When your ride is finished, you can park the bike near any city bike rack or on the sidewalk. Please follow the selected company’s instructions on how to lock the bike and end your trip.

Here are some important guidelines for parking:

  • You can park the bike in the landscaping/furniture zone of sidewalks (the part of the sidewalk with trees, poles, and other fixtures), as long as that space is more than three feet wide.
  • Leave at least six feet clear for pedestrians to pass.
  • Do not park on corners, driveways, or curb ramps.
  • Do not block access to buildings, benches, parking pay stations, bus stops, hydrants, etc.
  • Park the bike upright.
  • Be courteous to others—don’t park in somebody else’s way, and don’t hide the bike somewhere that the next user can’t get to it.
  • Check out our bike parking diagram to better help you understand where to park your bike, and where to avoid parking.

Electric-assist bicycles

Electric-assist bicycles have the potential to make bike share a more accessible and convenient mobility option in Seattle. These bikes still require users to pedal, they just make Seattle’s challenging topography a little more manageable.

Whom do I contact with questions or comments?

If a bike is improperly parked or needs maintenance, contact the company using the contact information below:

If you are involved in a collision and if somebody is injured and you need emergency assistance, dial 911. File a collision report online with the Washington State Patrol. Report the collision to the company and let them know if the bike needs to be repaired or removed from service.

If you are a bike share company and have questions or are interested in obtaining a permit please contact SDOT Bike Share Permit Program Manager Joel Miller at joel.miller@seattle.gov. Residents with questions and comments may also email joel.miller@seattle.gov.

SDOT Free-floating Bike Share Permitting Archive