ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bicycle-sharing system

A bicycle-sharing system is when people can borrow bicycles from a special place called a station, then ride them around town and return them to another station when they are done.

It's kind of like renting a bicycle from a friend, but with lots of friends! There are usually many bicycles at each station, and people can choose the one they want to borrow.

The bicycles are designed to be easy to use and comfortable to ride. They might have adjustable seats, baskets for carrying things, and special tires that make it easier to ride on different surfaces.

To borrow a bicycle, you have to sign up for a membership and pay a fee. This is usually done online or at a kiosk located at a station. Once you have a membership, you can use your ID card or a special code to unlock a bicycle from a station.

You can ride the bicycle for as long as you like, but there is usually a time limit, like 30 minutes or an hour. If you keep the bicycle for longer than the time limit, you have to pay extra fees.

When you are done riding, you return the bicycle to any station in the system. You lock it up and make sure it is secure before you leave.

Bicycle-sharing systems are popular in cities all over the world because they are a convenient and environmentally-friendly way to get around. They are especially useful for short trips, like running errands or commuting to work or school.