“Using Capital Bikeshare with a dead phone?”

photo by Eric P.

“Dear PoPville,

I was taking a Capital Bikeshare last night when my phone died. When I got to the dock I noticed that the light didn’t turn green, but flashed red, yellow, green. I left it anyway because I feel like the dock sometimes doesn’t accept a bike for any number of reasons and I couldn’t get it back out.

On my way home I went to take a bike again with my bike key, but couldn’t unlock any bikes.

I figured it was because my last bike hadn’t docked properly and walked home.

Once I put my phone to charge, though, I got the text saying that my ride was ended and I had around 12 emails about needing to verify my phone number before unlocking a bike.

Now I’m wondering if Capital Bikeshare won’t work with a dead phone, even when using a bike key to unlock. My phone dies all the time, so I’m 1) assuming it’s not the first time I’ve gotten a bike with a dead phone and curious why it didn’t work this time and 2) nervous about being able to get a bike next time it’s dead.”