I saved over $80 on a trip to Portland by using the city's bike share for a week instead of renting a car.

I got a $15 weekly pass for Biketown and rode everywhere, which was way cheaper than the $100+ I would have spent on a rental and parking (and honestly, more fun).

3 comments

3 Comments

drew_coleman73mo ago

Sounds good until it rains or you're trying to get across town with luggage. Not every trip is a sunny joyride.

joseph_coleman1mo ago

Yeah, isn't that kind of the whole point though? I mean, if you're just trying to get from A to B with a bunch of stuff, you're probably better off with a car or a ride share. But for like, actually exploring a neighborhood or running quick errands downtown, this system is way more fun. It forces you to slow down and pay attention, which is exactly how you stumble into the good stuff, a random taco spot or a cool little bookstore. Not for every trip, but definitely for the ones you want to remember.

the_uma3mo ago

That point about it being more fun is SO true. You see a city in a totally different way when you're not stuck in traffic or looking for parking. You notice little shops and cafes you'd just zoom past in a car. It turns the trip into an adventure, not just a list of places to get to. The money saved is great, but that feeling of actually being IN the city is the real win.