bicycle freedom

[siddharthjoshi91]

This should be implemented in India. We have too many reckless two-wheeler drivers and traffic and pollution is getting out of hand.

[hatwithfloppers]

In norway we've had this for years. In oslo the bike points are everywhere, no time limit and much, much cheaper

[alliterati1]

I want this in the US.

[stopglobalswarming]

They need latex sealant in the tires, or to use foam tires.

[eze14213]

a bike like that id beat the shit outta with the way i ride id ghost ride the whip down a flight of 100 stairs 

[Jesus45U]

This idea was based on a "free" bike program in Copenhagen, which works much the same way, but with a coin instead of a credit card and no time limit.

And the bicycles in copenhagen is not nearly as desirable as the french ones, so they don't get stolen as much, and are harder to vandalize.

Add in commercial advertizing on them, with some tax reductions thrown in, and the program still works in Copenhagen.

watch?v=mrKXSRafDOI

They are not the best ride, but they work.

[kelleydave]

According to NY Times article, 80% of the bikes were either stolen or trashed so badly that they had to be replaced. But the stupid French are so drunk on socialism they will keep pouring money down the drain. Private property works. Socialized property doesn't.

[BikeWasHere]

i want go back in paris :((

[usernamemenot]

its a good program and theft and vandalism could be prevented by collecting users' credit cards details and personal data. Also using cameras at each station would help

[Aleowiciuos]

Bicycle rental only works if a person is issuing the bike and the bike is brought back to that person to be inspected after use. One cannot expect that people will treat the bikes like their own. Bike rental must also be accompanied with a basic repair shop.

[glickle]

The program is apparently shutting down due to vandalism and theft. A good idea, but the unfortunately (and probably inevitably) ruined by the usual scuzbuckets

[Guildou]

There's theft and vandalism that's sure, but the program continue and is sheduled for other big cities in France.

[aarogh]

Can you return the bike to a different station, like with U-haul?

[leper99]

yes

[Cath198127]

A 200$ deposit?? Nooo way! Not great if you want to cycle for half an hour but you only have a few pence in the bank!

[LolaFloresyOLE]

Has this any succes in paris at last??