[6] Depending on the local system and type of membership or pass, users can keep the bicycles for 30–60 minutes without any additional charge for an unlimited number of times.

However, if a bicycle is returned to any station, it can usually be immediately checked back out for an additional 30-60 free minutes.

Notwithstanding the variations, annual memberships are recognized in most BCycle cities in a reciprocity program called "B-connected".

[10] In 2007, the founding partners of BCycle, Trek and health care insurance company Humana, launched their bike sharing venture with the nation's largest ever temporary bike sharing program at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.

Called Freewheelin, this program made 1,000 bikes available to the delegates at both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.

Following the Democratic National Convention, Trek, Humana and advertising agency Crispin Porter + Bogusky formed B-Cycle, LLC to develop a technologically and visually appealing bike share system.