In its first two months, Bicing, a bike-sharing program in Barcelona, Spain, garnered over 30,000 subscribers. The program’s popularity has only grown, which is good news for new bike-sharing programs in Washington D.C. and San Francisco.
Initially, locals were skeptical that Bicing would attract users, but the service has enjoyed phenomenal success and encouraged commuters to stop driving and start pedaling within the city center. One hundred bike rental stations are conveniently located near major transit hubs. Subscribers (who pay a pittance of €24 per year) simply pick up one of Bicing’s 1500 cycles and zip past stalled traffic to pick up groceries and run other quick errands. The first half hour is free, and the rental costs €0.30 for each 30 min. thereafter. Members can keep a bike for a maximum of two hours (the only shabby part, I think). Bikes are outfitted with a carrier, a bell and light, and are easily adjustable to match your size.
For a complete picture of what Bicing offers and how it works, check out this video (after the jump):
See also: Bike-Sharing Programs Coming Our Way
Paris Bike Rental System: Velib
Sources: Bicing and Treehugger.
Photos via flickr by jauladeardilla and Oriol Llado.
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It allows a two-car family to become a one-car family.
Another great complement is the “guaranteed ride home” a kind of insurance you can sign up for to avoid being stranded when using public transit.