Pedal Power: Borrow a Bike Because its Fast

In the recent annual commuter race by Transport Alternatives, to see whether two, four or many wheels were fastest in New York, of course the bike won. Whilst the study was not statistically proven it this case it was the fastest method of transport from the starting point at a Brooklyn cafe to the finishing point at East 26th Street and First Avenue Manhattan. The 15 minute, 4.13 mile ride was completed by Luci Olewinski, a nursepractitioner who bikes to work regularly. That aside it was also the cheapest, most environmentally friendly and healthiest option.

"I'll be relaxing in the park before my competitors even cross the East River"
Luci Olewinski, Predicting her imminent win before the start of the commuter race

The bike industry in the US has annual sales in excess of $5.8 billion, accounting for new bike sales, parts and maintainance. 2005 was an all time high and this trend is continuing. New York City alone has seen an increase of over 50% in daily cyclists in the last ten years, up to 120 000 from 75 000. According to 2000 Census figures, New Yorkers have the longest average commute in the country, about 45 minutes.

However, the average bicycle commute in New York City only takes 30 minutes. Across the other side of the Atlantic one high street retailer has been trying to enlighten the residents of London to get back on their bikes. Halfords, for one month placed ten bikes at ten locations as part of their Borrow the Bike project. The idea was that people could take the bicycles when needed and ride to their desired location, leaving the bike to be picked up by someone else to continue the usage. The scheme attracted lots of attention and thousands of people went to the dedicated site to leave comments.

“What a great idea – I found one at Euston station. The bike saved me from a packed rush hour tube. I was home in minutes!”
Dawn, London

In Dublin, Ireland, they have also implemented a similar scheme to reduce traffic congestion in the capital city, where an estimated 25 000 people cycle to work every day. The council plans to have 500 bicycles located at 25 points around the city for public use 24 hours a day. The bikes are "virtually vandal proof", will not get a puncture and have no visible cables. For a small fee, you can collect a bike from one of the 25 collection points and with that cycle to your desired location, leaving the bike at another collection point. Each bike will have a micro chip to allow it to be traced should it not be retuned to a designated point. The scheme which should be available to use in three months time is funded by JC Decaux, in exhange they will be allowed to erect a further 120 permanent advertising boards and remove 1800 other boards as part of the overall deal.

"We have to do something about the chronic traffic problems and congestion in the city centre, but I'm a bit concerned that the council isn't operating the scheme independently and is linking up with an advertiser"
Bronwen Maher, Dublin City Councillor, Green Party

Whilst the Dublin scheme is being fully implemented it doesn't offer the full unrestricted and free service that the Halfords short term scheme offered. By restricting the usage to the end user, and with that the additional charge I fear this will deter many from using the scheme. This is where the Halfords scheme excelled. However, the Halfords scheme did have one proble, none of the bikes were returned. The idea was, at the end of the scheme the £160 Carrera Subway bikes would be donated to the charity Bikes4Africa. The bikes would then be distributed to students who face ten mile walks to school.

If you have an old bike which is not being used consider donating it to Bikes4Africa.

"None have yet been returned. We know they are still out there. We have had reports of sightings but nothing specific. We probably won't get them all back."
Halfords, Borrow The Bike