Public bicycle scheme of Barcelona successful

20-04-2009

Rental bikes successful in Barcelona Over twice the number of subscriptions forecast and it generates jobs as well. The rental bike project in Barcelona appears to be a resounding success after two years’ operation.

plaatje

Initially 85,000 subscriptions were forecast after three years. By now 186,000 users have registered. That corresponds to 15% of the city’s adult population. In winter 35,000 trips are made each day, which rises to 58,000 trips in summer. Bicing (as the project is called) by now numbers 400 stations with 6,000 bicycles overall. Each bicycle is used approximately ten times daily in summer, on busy locations up to 20 times. On average bicycles travel 25 kilometres a day. It is remarkable that ‘standard’ rental bikes are used more often as well. This market had been expected to decline. The project also generates employment for about 200 people. According to some mobility studies 30 per cent of people use a bicycle trip in combination with public transport.

Koos Kroon (Bike Tech SL)
08-04-2009 @ 10:33

Het succes van dit systeem is relatief. De gebruikers klagen over technische problemen met de fietsen en dat het systeem veel fouten maakt zodat men soms ten onrechte wordt afgerekend voor het niet of te laat terug brengen van de fiets. Daarnaast worden de fietsen veelal gebruikt om van boven gelegen stadsdelen naar het centrum af te dalen, maar niet voor de rit in tegengestelde richting. De fietsstations beneden raken overvol zodat je je fiets niet kunt parkeren, en boven in de stad zijn de stations leeg. Met kleine vrachtauto's met aanhangers worden de fietsen naar boven gebracht en dat is weinig mileuvriendelijk. De fietsenwinkels hebben het heel moeilijk in Barcelona doordat hun omzet gemiddeld 30% is gedaald met de introductie van de leenfiets.

Het fietsgebruik is in tien jaar tijd enorm toegenomen. Het is jammer dat de gemeente niet ook geld heeft uitgetrokken voor bewaakte fietsenstalling en veilige fietspaden. Koos Kroon

Todd Edelman
07-05-2009 @ 15:04

First of all, what is the origin of this article? It seems like a press release from either the Municipality of Barcelona, or much more likely, Clear Channel-Adshel, the managers of the programme. (When the media manages mobility, it is perhaps even more important than normal to "check your sources"!).

Second, if something goes beyond expectations is it successful? (Perhaps in the mind of the creator...) . Next, creating a "new sustainable mobility" sounds great, but let's please not forget how this is funded: Through parking fees. OK, sure, a user tax on driving but what happens if less people drive and especially when the current contract for ads and street furniture (held by Cemusa?) is over? Does the programme then get paid for by adverts?

Last, in regards to pure mobility issues, how do the figures (e.g. "30% of subscribed...) compare to the earlier situation, before the programme commenced?

The advert companies (also JCDecaux) dominate the bus/tram shelter and public bike sectors, and have made significant inroads into advertising in other public transport properties, everywhere from the outside to the inside of vehicles.

My favourite question at this time is if anyone has seen a public transport advert at a petrol station, e.g. "Next time, try the bus"

In light of all of this, I think all proper mobility or transport studies must include significant work in the media, ideally taught by a Marxist who can help de-construct it all. It worked with me, 24 yrs. ago, as a 19-yr. old university student in the USA!

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