Few trips into downtown Birmingham are complete these days without spotting several bright green bicycles traveling the city streets. In its first six months, Birmingham's Zyp bikeshare program has seen incredible success.

"I think people forget that we're only six months old," Director Lindsey West said. "It feels like it's been out there and been around longer."

With 25 stations open, Zyp is outperforming estimates made based on having 40 stations in operation.

Zyp bikes have traveled more than 30,000 miles on more than 23,000 trips - averaging about a mile and a half - throughout the city. Riders have burned an estimated 1.1 million calories.

That includes 6,300 system members, primarily occasional 24-hour users. More than 550 annual people have become annual members in just six months, exceeding the projection of 670 in the first year.

West said one of the most exciting aspects of the program so far has been that people no longer have to be fully dependent on any one type of transportation. Zyp bikes have been used to commute to work, stop for groceries or go to a doctor's appointment.

"The culture shift for bikes in general has been happening for quite some time, but I think bikeshare has ramped it up in a powerful way," West said. "It's what we thought bikeshare would be for our community. To see that actually happen in real time is very exciting... Birmingham embracing it is a testament to the culture shift that we've said is happening."

Since Zyp's launch in October, they have taken user suggestions to heart, adding a timer to show when a rider is approaching the 45-minute checkout limit and allowing the use of promo codes at kiosks. They continue to encourage feedback on social media, online or by phone.

So what's next for the bikeshare program?

In the past two weeks, eight

Epic City Rush

Currently, only annual members can check out bikes using the app, but they aim to implement that option for 24-hour members eventually.

Some discussion has arisen about expanding even further from the city center and into more neighborhoods. Nothing is official, but they're keeping their options open. Homewood is conducting a feasibility study, but whether that is an extension of Zyp or a separate program remains to be seen.

The program's sponsors include Regions, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and the Alabama Power Foundation, and REV's partners include the city, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham, and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham.

To learn more about the program or to register, visit its website zypbikeshare.com.