Update for Fall 2025
The BCycle Community Pass program at Madison Public Library will return in a new format on Tues, September 2 after a brief hiatus. Please read below to see what's changed with the program.
The program, in partnership with the Madison Public Library Foundation, enables riders to use their Madison Public Library card to access one of over 350 electric-assist bikes.
Check it Out: Ask at the front desk if your library's BCycle fobs are in or call your library location to inquire. Anyone 18 years and older with a library card in good standing from the South Central Library System can check out a pass.
Loan Period: 7 days for both the BCycle pass and helmet. You will receive instructions on how to submit a release waiver online when you check out a BCycle key fob from the library. Someone from the BCycle team will approve the submission form, which may take up to 48 hours from when you submitted it. Please plan accordingly, as it is unlikely that you would be able to check out a BCycle fob from the library and use a BCycle bike on the same day.
You will receive an email from BCycle once the key fob has been activated and your 7-day loan begins from that time. The fob will be automatically deactivated once the 7-day loan period has passed. The pass is not renewable and must be returned on time.
Please note: BCycle bikes must be docked every 90 minutes to ensure they are charged when using the library's Community Pass.
Limitations: Library card holders can check out 1 BCycle pass per library card, per calendar month. Each BCycle pass can check out one bike at a time. There is no limit to the number of bikes you can check out during the week you have the pass. You can return one bike and immediately check out another bike at the BCycle station. The bike must be returned to the station and cannot be brought home.
Accessing Bikes: Bikes are available at BCycle stations around Madison - not all stations are located near a library location. Check real time bike availability and find the nearest BCycle station.
While e-bike checkouts from a BCycle station or mobile app typically require a credit card or smartphone to unlock, the Madison BCycle Community Pass Program introduces an alternative checkout method for riders that might have previously been unable to access bike share.
The passes can be checked out for up to a week at a time and provide access to over 350 electric-assist bikes at more than 50 BCycle stations in and around Madison. Riders also have the option to check out a helmet as needed.
As part of the partnership, Madison Public Library Foundation has helped make the program a reality by funding the Madison BCycle passes.
Madison BCycle currently has a station outside of the Central Library location on West Mifflin Street, the Sequoya Library on Midvale Road, the Pinney Library on Cottage Grove Road, and the Lakeview Library location on Sherman & Trailsway.
Map of Madison BCycle docking stations and Madison Public Libraries. Visit the real time station map for the most up-to-date version.
Learn more about Madison BCycle
Discover the Madison BCycle We Read Bike designed by artist Emily Balsley
Link to the Madison BCycle real time station map