(Madison, WI) – With over 18,500 trips taken by its 6,500 members in just 200 days of operation, Madison B-cycle posted greater-than-expected results in their inaugural season in the capital city. After debuting in May of 2011 with six stations located on the Isthmus, B-cycle grew to twenty seven locations across downtown Madison. In just its first year, B-cycle members rode nearly 39,600 miles saving 2,844 gallons of gasoline that kept 103,000 lbs of carbon monoxide from being released into the city’s air. The B-cycle station located at the University of Wisconsin’s Memorial Union saw more traffic than any other in 2011.

Madisonians can expect to see the return of the iconic red bikes to the city’s landscape April 1 along with some new additions. After a successful 2011, B-cycle will be open an extra hour, until midnight, every day while expanding its number of stations and bikes in order to make bike sharing more accessible to a greater number of the city’s population. The new locations will be installed throughout the spring and have been selected based upon feedback from B-cycle users.

“I’m very excited about the participation numbers and to see the program grow. As Madison works to improve its infrastructure, we do so with the commuting and recreational biker in mind,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “B-Cycle has been a great partner allowing people to utilize our expanding bike lanes and paths and we look forward to another successful year.”

Madison B-cycle’s mobile app is available now and provides real-time bike availability and nearby station locations based upon a user’s geographic location. The app is available on the Android and iPhone mobile platforms and is a great tool for anyone looking to take advantage of program.