(no subject)

[ffutures]

I was surprised to see some of the rental bikes out in one of the new bays off Portobello Road today - apparently the scheme has gone live to a limited extent, but casual hire won't be possible for a few weeks.

Full details here

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/jul/29/cycle-hire-scheme-live-updates

They don't stick out as far into the road as I'd feared when parked, but I did notice that there doesn't seem to be a reflector on the bit that sticks out furthest, which might be a problem if someone drives past at night. It's possible that I've missed something, of course, and it's possible that the paint itself is reflective, I couldn't tell.

The bikes seem solidly constructed, looking at the Guardian report it all seems reasonably positive.

Overall I wish the scheme well - I could just wish that they hadn't destroyed the motorbike bay nearest to work as part of it, but that's me being selfish. I'll have to drive by and see if they're replacing it or something.

Comments

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

Wow, that scheme is truly massive. That's good -- I think it will improve chances that it will work. But it's just interesting to compare to a similar effort being launched privately in Chicago (http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-schmich-0730-20100730,0,5781993.column), with a rather more modest number of initial bicycle rental locations.

[curiouswombat.livejournal.com]

It featured on Breakfast television this morning. I had a 'saw this and thought of you' moment!

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

When I first saw this I didn't think it was practical, but there are at least five of the rental bays within a 5-10 minute walk from work - around my home which isn't quite so central I haven't seen so many, but there are at least three within the walking distance I generally do my Saturday shopping, probably more I haven't passed yet.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

Haven't been watching much TV, but it's good to see it actually starting more or less on schedule.

[akirlu.livejournal.com]

That many locations makes it sound very promising. Certainly the loaner bike system in Copenhagen seemed to be working when last I was there.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

Apparently it has cost £25million though?

Which works out at £4166 per bike.

I can't help but think it might have been more cost effective to just give away bikes to people who live in London.

[ffutures.livejournal.com]

It does seem a lot, but most of it is infrastructure, once they start renting bikes properly it will hopefully start to bring in money.

[gonzo21.livejournal.com]

It sounded like an odd pricing structure. Free for 30 minutes, but fifty quid if you had one out for the whole day.

Still, yes. It's a good idea, and I wish it well. I mean, *something* has to be done to get us all out of our cars.