Bike Share arrives in Melb CBD
Melbourne cyclists have welcomed the city's first public bike share scheme being operated by RACV that is now underway.
The first 100 distinctive electric-blue bicycles have been installed at special docking stations across the CBD. (pic above courtsey The Age)
Ten stations commenced operating at the end of May along the Swanston Street/St Kilda Road corridor through to Melb Uni.30 more stations close to public transport will progressively added by the middle of this year, spaced across the city around 500 metres apart.
Weighing a hefty 18 kg, the sturdy blue bikes according to The Age's Clay Lucas are easy to use, pretty comfortable, have good disk brakes and despite only three gears they will handle most of the CBD's relatively flat terrain.
Subscribers need to bring or buy a low cost helmet (from near by shops). They will be able to join the scheme for $50 a year, $8 a week or $2.50 a day. But be aware that a deposit of $300 (re fundable) is charged when a bike is taken out.
The first 30 minute trip is free, thereafter its $2 for the first hour and more if the bike is kept for longer.
Bike share data from other cities around the world that have schemes operating indicate the average time per trip is around 17 minutes.
Tell us what you think of Bike Share? Is it the way to go, will it work or is it a waste of 'governemnt' money?
More info: www.melbournebikeshare.com.au
Your comments
Joram Wilson
If the City of Melbourne is truly serious about this BikeShare scheme, then the issue of helmets must be addressed.
With the current laws, pushed by bike shops, for helmets to be an expensive and compulsory cycling accessory, (with non-wearing harshly penalised), it's ridiculous to think that tourists are going to fork out another 20+ dollars for a helmet they are only going to use once. Do these visitors risk a large fine when uninformed of our 'safety' laws? Cyclists who wish to use this service have two choices. They either must purchase an expensive hemlet from a bike shop or else risk a fine that is now more than $150. In my humble opinion, the only option is simply not to use the bicycles at all and utilise trams and walking to access the inner city. This is unfortunate because in a context without onerous helmet laws, such as most European cities, public bicycles have led to many positive outcome, such as improved health and less motor vehicle congestion in city centres. In close, this has not been properly thought out and a solution must be found.
Julian Wearne
Great idea, terrible execution. Virtually every aspect of the implementation has been bungled and unless helmet laws are changed to at least some degree uptake is not likely to increase much above the current 70 rides a day.
bP
All too expensive!!!
in my view a cheap day rate is needed. You can hire a bike in Berlin for 9 euros a day and as a result they are very very very popular... you don't even need to be a member just registered (which is free)
a similar system to the Melbourne system is used in Paris and the people i know there spend their whole day returning bikes before the free 30mins is up, waiting a minute then going again to the next spot.. it's crazy
D.A.
I agree - terrific idea, yet the issue with helmets are the problem. I put forward that City of Melbourne waive the law for anyone riding one of these blue bikes. After all, they are 'easy riding' bikes not made for speed AND, (more importantly) I believe some things in Australia should just be common sense and not a law. Everyone knows the importance of a helmet, and would most likely wear one if available... it should not be forced. The more you force people into laws, the more they stop thinking for themselves as they become dependant upon being told what to do. They also tend to rebel when too constricted. I miss Australia from the 70s and 80s when it wasn't so controlled. Sigh.
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Cyclingmike
The new scheme will be a boom for CBD bound tourists and others wanting a new "healthy" way to scoot around the town.
Most bike commuters I've spoken to who ride into town say they won't need to use the service but they thought its a great idea!