Public bike sharing/renting in your city?

1. 59

   Mezoposted 12 years ago

   Hello everyon
   
   I'm interested in knowing more about public bike sharing systems all over the world specially in the middle east and developing world. I've found many info about many great bike sharing programs such as Velib in France and many more countries like Italy, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, USA and many more.
   
   We don't have such programs in Egypt although we really need them. The problem is that we don't have special designated lanes for bikes which makes it more dangerous and most importantly, we don't have a "bike culture", biking is usually associated with a specific social class. So, I was thinking to start such projects in my city and to spread the biking culture.
   
   So please everyone, if your city has introduced such systems recently or done by amateurs/charity groups, etc or if you have it a long time ago already, share with us how this works in your city and what are your ideas to improve it.
   
   Ideas:
   -How much do you have to pay for it?
   -How do they protect bikes from theft? (insurance deposit, card, your info, etc)
   -How often do you use it?
   -Do you use it for long or short trips?
   -Do you rent them for small periods (30 minutes) or for longer periods (months?).
   
   Everyone who like biking is welcome  .
   
   Thanks .
   Motaz

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   1. 90

      CyclingFitnessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Great idea Motaz
      
      Sadly we have very little in my city
      
      In London they Have what are known as 'Boris' bikes which I have friends who've used and been very complimentary. I'm sure there will be plenty of info via the Transport For London website which could help you
      
      Good luck

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2. 67

   Rosie2010posted 12 years ago

   We just got public biking approved by council in Toronto in May 2011.  BIXI, the same people who run BIXI in Montreal, started with 1,000 public bikes in Toronto downtown core, expanding to 3,000 bikes in the near future.

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3. 59

   Mezoposted 12 years ago

   Thanks a lot for your replies guys
   
   CyclingFitness: Yes I know about Boris bikes being run by Barclays...I understand each user gets a key but is it only for one bike or any bike? can you give us a brief idea on how it works?
   
   Rosie2010: good for you I'm amazed by BIXI (they are not just in Canada) and their projects in 3rd geenration bike systems using smart cards and all.
   
   Thansk give us more experiences and new places guys .

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4. 59

   recommend1posted 12 years ago

   Maybe you should visit here in China - bike hire is everywhere with a network of places to pick your bike up and leave it, usually at key bus stops.  If there is a cafe culture in your country then these would be the kind of place that could be the 'operators' in a system.

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5. 59

   Mezoposted 12 years ago

   I know very little about the system in China, can you tell me more? How do they protect the bikes? do they use visas and smart cards or other ways? Is it fully automated or ran by humans?
   Thanks for your reply .

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   1. 59

      recommend1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      As far as I am aware there is a rack that locks the bikes in place and you pay a deposit + one day hire.  When you are finished with the bike you put it back in any rack wherever you are, they then return the your deposit at that location.  Very simple - and all the bikes are very distinctive so there is no point anyone trying to steal your bike while you are out and about as they would not be able to use it.

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6. 59

   Mezoposted 12 years ago

   aha this is nice.. so each time I have to pay a deposit? to a machine or a man?

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   1. 72

      livewithrichardposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Here is one system that is set up here in Chicago.  I haven't used it because I have no need for it but it's catching on fast here.  Chicago is the MOST bike friendly city in the US.  Most streets have a bike lane, especially in the downtown area of the city.
      
      B-cycle is the company and they charge a monthly subscription or you can pay by the hour.  The bikes are of a unique design and I'm sure have several hidden tracking devices on them to prevent theft.  But ultimately, like most vehicle rentals, there is an insurance program in place that you will be offered to take part in.  The renter is always responsible for the property.
      
      Edit:  I forgot to place the link-- http://chicago.bcycle.com/home.aspx#

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7. 59

   Mezoposted 12 years ago

   Thanks a lot livewithrichard really appreciate it. Infrastructure is really important in encouraging people to bike.

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   1. 90

      CyclingFitnessposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      The Boris bikes in London give each key user access to the selection of bikes available- not one single bike- hope that helps

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8. 59

   Mezoposted 12 years ago

   Thanks for answering my question ..yeah I watched a video that explains it, really liked how it worked, how organized and practical it is.
   Thanks everyone for sharing these info ... please share more

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