The official Citi Bike mobile application is now available to download. The app provides a map of station locations and real-time updates about bicycle and dock availability, as well as turn-by-turn directions, riding tips, and a timer to help Citi Bike users avoid charges for exceeding the limits per trip. The app also allows users to locate nearby bike shops and, of course, Citibank branches; this summer, restaurant and event recommendations will be added.
Currently, all stations on the application's map -- which includes a layer showing bike lanes -- are colored gray and listed as "inactive" until the system launches on Monday. Some station locations also have yet to appear on the map. DOT said in a statement that the map will be "continuously updated in the coming days."
The app, developed by Publicis Kaplan Thaler, is available for Android and iOS. A third-party Citi Bike application called "New York City Bike" has been available since earlier this month.
New York won't have the same app -- Spotcycle -- used for bike-share systems in Washington and Boston. Last year, Spotcycle's developer, 8D Technologies, was dropped as a contractor by the Public Bike System Company, which supplies the equipment for Citi Bike.
Update: The Spotcycle app now includes New York City.
