Pedal Power - Bike Sharing Comes of Age
Document Actions
Pedal Power
Bike Sharing Comes of Age
Today’s 4th generation business model for folks sharing a fleet of public bicycles on campus or around town is moving to redefine mass transit. While earlier initiatives met with high levels of vandalism and theft, new "bike libraries" tied to a personal pass or city transit card are proving viable. It’s a nifty alternative for eco-conscious citizens and for people who need on-demand transport to get to school or work or to run errands, but are short of money. For individuals unable to pay the modest rental, volunteer service may fill the bill.
However they’re structured, community bicycle services help solve congestion, pollution and parking problems plus promote sustainability in one stroke. They save the rider gas and maintenance costs, provide exercise, reduce stress, and build community. And they teach job skills to staff involved in recycling bikes and managing day-to-day operations.
For a partial map of community bicycle programs in North America check out SopoBikes.org/community. Organizers note that the site is under construction.
