Bike hire firm expanding
OyBike is expanding in the South East (BikeRadar)
ONE of the firms hoping to run London's eagerly awaited bike rental scheme is expanding elsewhere in the UK,
OyBike, which already hires out cycles in Hammersmith and Fulham within the capital, has just increased its presence in the nearby commuter town of Reading.
The company has set up a bike lock up at Reading train station where people can hire the cycles
Feroze Rub, managing director of OyBike, told the BBC: "This partnership is an example of what a properly integrated public transport system can do for everyone."
Andrew Saunders, from First Great Western train firm, said the scheme gave people the freedom to explore Reading if they were arriving by train.
He added: "Car parking is always difficult, so cyclists have a distinct advantage in getting around town - since they can park right outside the shop they want to go into, library, swimming pool, theatre or anywhere else really."
As with cycle hire schemes in European cities like Paris and Barcelona, the OyBike service requires users to register beforehand. Registration is £10 per year. After that the first half hour ride is free, and charges are approximately £2 an hour after that.
They can then unlock a bike from a stand by calling a local rate number and getting a release code texted to their mobile phone. A combination for the bike's integral lock is also sent, allowing users to lock up the bike if needed.
The first half hour ride is free and after that, hire costs £2 an hour for a maximum of eight hours. Once that period has expired the bike is available at no extra cost for the remainder of 24 hours.
The bikes are sturdy beasts, with shaft drives instead of chains, three gears, Dynamo lights, a small basket on the front and a carrier at the back.
The two favourites to win the London mayoral elections, Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone, both support the introduction of a cycle rental scheme in the UK capital.
User Comments
There are 2 comments on this post
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 comments
-
ag2976
Posted Sun 11 May, 6:44 pm BST Flag as inappropriate
Hi Benpinnick - I am a regular OYBike user and i don't think the system is complicated at all...unfortunately i think it is peoples perception that makes them think it is. I have used the Parisian system as well and would defintiely say the OYBike idea is better. The beauty of OYBikes is that all you have to do it use your mobile phone to rent a bike...none of the mess with another plastic card. As you use your phone you can also speak directly to a member of staff so if there is a problem they are on hand to help, it is also greener as no plastic is used. In Paris I had loads of trouble finding empty bays however with OYBike if it is full you can just use the combination lock secure the bike and speak to a member of staff and leave it there...they are a much more personal company to deal with. Registration is also easy as it is on the internet/phone and they do not take a two hundred and fifty euro deposit!
The article above is also wrong as it is only a one off payment of £10 to activate your account and then it remains open as long as you like. The bikes are also great..they are simple and shaft driven, they have baskets and pannier racks. I agree they are not ideal for mountain biking but for everyday use they are perfect...the never break and have puncture proof tyres! Unlike the Paris ones that have a 40% damage rate.
I think if anything you should get your staff on the bikes and let them judge for themselves espescially as the first 30mins of any journey are free.
Personally i hope that OYBike do win London because althogh they clearly do have areas to improve i do think they have distinct benefits to the Parisian System.
-
benpinnick
Posted Fri 2 May, 6:47 pm BST Flag as inappropriate
We've had OyBike bikes outside our office in Farnborough for about a year... no-one ever uses them. My staff are always complaining that they would if the system was easier to use. I explain to them about the Parisien system and everyone agrees how much better it would be. Although I would love to see more cycling to work (I do 11 miles each way and park my bike next to the OyBikes :o) ) but their register - phone me - text you - punch in the number - system is ludicrously complex, the bikes are unwieldy and low-tech; its all too hard. I hope they don't win any contracts for London as it would be the death knell for easy cycling in the capital.
- 1
Bookmark with: