Innovative Bike Share System Promises Lower Costs

Cities around the world are eager to launch bike share programs, but many are deterred by high start-up costs. A new system may offer a cheaper alternative.

1 minute read

October 22, 2010, 8:00 AM PDT

By Lynn Vande Stouwe


While the Velbi-style system used by Paris and other European cities requires installation of physical docking stations, Social Bicycle System (SoBi) employs a compact lockbox that can be attached to any bicycle. Users in search of a ride can locate and unlock bikes with enabling software on their cell phones. The SoBi cost per bike is $500 versus $4,000 per bike for the Velbi-style system.

A pilot program is coming soon the New York, where developer Ryan Rzepecki was formerly a bicycle planner with the city's Department Of Transportation. However, large government sponsors may not be required in the future, Christian Madera writes:

'What's perhaps most exciting is that given its lower cost and open model – SoBi could eventually be adopted by individuals and smaller organizations to create organic bike sharing networks that could conceivably stretch around the world.'

Thursday, October 21, 2010 in Next American City

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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