Bike key basics

We highly encourage riders to use the Citi Bike app over bike keys. It’s easy and convenient to unlock a bike using the Citi Bike app, plus you can find stations, plan your ride, and more.

Bike Keys are recyclable! Just drop the key into any plastics recycling bin in NYC.

How to use your bike key

To unlock a bike with a key, insert your bike key into the slot on the dock next to an available bike.

When the light on the dock turns green, the bike is unlocked.

Pull the bike out of the dock by the handlebars or lift the bike by the seat to release it.

If you're a new Annual Member who has been using the Citi Bike mobile app to unlock bikes and then activated your bike key, the "unlock a bike" feature will no longer appear as an option in the mobile app. For security purposes, only 1 rental method is active at a time.

Need to request a new key?

If your key is lost or stolen, please contact Citi Bike customer service, to deactivate your key and prevent fraudulent use. Any fees incurred by your key before you have reported it as lost or stolen will be your responsibility.

If you would like to receive a new bike key, you can purchase one here. 

As a head’s up, we are currently facing a bike key shortage until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience! In the meantime, we recommend checking back on the website frequently to see if they’re back in stock.