Bike rental system in Helsinki
The public bike rental system in Helsinki first opened in 2000. The first system fully financed by the city was discontinued in 2010 for cost reasons. On May 2, 2016, a new, partially ad-financed system was opened. It is similar to the Paris Vélib ' system.
Old bike rental system (2000-2010)
The system was based on an idea by the Danish bicycle dealer and inventor Niels Christiansen to provide free city bicycles and was implemented in June 2000.
The main focus of these bikes was durability, not speed. Assembly work was only possible with special tools. The tires were made of solid rubber and therefore puncture-proof. The bicycles only had reflectors , no lamps, as they were only available in the summer months when it doesn't get really dark in Finland at night .
Securing the bicycles was similar to securing shopping trolleys with a coin. The introduction of city bicycles reduced the incidence of bicycle theft by 30 percent. The use of the bikes was limited to the city limits, the eye-catching shape and paintwork of the bikes meant that they were rarely stolen. The maintenance of the bikes cost around 300 euros a year.
A similar model of bike sharing also existed in other European cities such as Aveiro (Portugal) or Copenhagen .
HSL City Bikes
Helsingin seudun liikenne has been providing rental bicycles again since spring . The 1,400 bicycles in spring 2017 are distributed over 140 stations. These are located in Helsinki, Munkkiniemi , Pasila and Kumpula and Espoo . After registering for a fee, you can use the bicycles free of charge for 30 minutes each, for a longer period of use up to 5 hours you have to pay.
Individual evidence
- ↑ YLE , April 12, 2010: Helsinki luopuu kaupunkipyöristä
- ↑ Helsingin Sanomat , May 4, 2016: Kaupunkifillareilla jo yli tuhat polkijaa - HS testasi pyörän tositoimissa
Web links
- City Bikes Transport Association of the Helsinki Region