The bikes ride slowly, which again seems right for a commuting bike in a crowded urban setting. You're spot-on with this description, but there's a nuance that

The bikes ride slowly, which again seems right for a commuting bike in a crowded urban setting. You're spot-on with this description, but there's a nuance that many commenters here are overlooking: these bikes are designed for novice bike riders. These bikes are tanks. They force you to ride slowly, sit upright, and they are easy to jump off of. They're designed to get novice riders across town safely. The same bike-sharing program is currently in it's second year here in Boston. Our version is called "Hubway" (www.thehubway.com). Same equipment. It's great a great way for tourists to see our city and gives many of us a much-needed alternative to our subway system (the "T").