London looks into public bike rentals
London is studying a new public rental bike system that could be introduced in 2010. Inspired by cities such as Paris (shown above) or Barcelona, the system will be available in an area approximately equivalent to fare Zone 1 in central London, although the area could increase should the scheme work without problems. London's plans are to install about 6,000 bikes at 400 stations with up to 10,500 docking points. Compare this to Paris's 20,000 or Barcelona's 9,000 bikes, Europe's largest implementations of a bike-sharing system. Even with fewer bikes, the two-wheelers will probably look distinctive, as the plan calls for the model to be iconic to the city (think of the black cabs or double decker buses). The final model of the stations and bikes will be decided next year.
[Source: Transport for London]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
wisi 9:18AM (12/04/2008)
I Don't know, why Paris and Barcelona, who have recently installed those systems are always hyped...
We have had bike rental for the public in Munich, Cologne, Berlin... for years.
There is not even a docking station - you see one of the bikes, call a toll free number and get the unlock code. You can also ask, where the nearest bike is. And the best thing: you can leave it at any intersection.
Well admitedly the bikes are pretty ugly ;-)
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Arnold Schneider 12:35PM (12/04/2008)
@wisi: They get hyped because they are in a completely other league. The system in Paris rents magnitudes more bikes all other german systems combined. They have found a new success formula and that is exciting.
icanhaspayday 8:07PM (12/04/2008)
I wish they had this a year ago while I was there. The Tube is absolutely great, but I still did a TON of walking.
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