Bike-share

Public bikeshare has been one of the biggest drivers of utility cycling in modern times. In Paris, Ireland, and Seville, it has lead to the fastest cycling growth in modern times: 700% over just 5 years.

Public bikeshare lowers the barriers to giving cycling a go by removing the requirement for bicycle ownership, enabling people to spontaneously try cycling without ‘committing’ and by making the cycling an attractive, normal and fast option for getting from A to B. The bicycles are designed to be ridden at slow speeds, in an upright sitting position and used whilst wearing everyday clothes with out the need for any special ‘equipment’.

But public bikeshare has never succeeded anywhere there is an adult helmet law – Melbourne’s bikeshare is a complete failure. Recognizing this, Mexico reformed its helmet law specifically to enable bike-share to prosper and Sydney is currently exploring a helmet law exemption for a bike-share system in its city.

Check out The Bike-sharing Blog for more information