Architects Envision Future of Bike Sharing in Copenhagen

In order for <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/02/10/video-boston-bike-czar-nicole-freedman-talks-bike-share-urban-cycling/" target="_blank">bike share programs</a> to catch on in cities around the world, there needs to be an effective system in place to make it easy for riders to find and use the bikes. <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/03/19/solar-city-tower-for-rio-olympics-giant-energy-generating-waterfall/" target="_blank">RAFFA Arhictecture &amp; Design</a> has developed a city-wide bike sharing plan for <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/10/27/green-lighthouse-denmarks-first-carbon-neutral-building-completed/" target="_blank">Copenhagen</a> that could increase ridership from 37% up to <b>50%</b> by 2015. The <a href="../greentransportation/" target="_blank">green transportation</a> system features real-time GPS tracking, an online reservation system, and attractive bikes that can be stored anywhere -- even atop lamp posts!

As more bikes are needed for riders, more creative solutions will be necessary to store bikes.

Bikes have an LED lighting system to help the rider see at night as well as for pedestrians for cars to more easily see the biker.

Commuters can reserve bikes ahead of time so one is ready when they arrive at a certain pick up point, especially train stations.

Bikes are stored in an interesting trough locking system that recharges the batteries in the bike and hopefully makes them attractive in the public spaces.

Bikes can also be stored vertically on walls getting them completely off the streets.

A credit card or a maestro card can be used to check bikes out. The first 30 minutes are free; after that, 5 DKK per 30 minutes will be charged. The fee per hour rises proportionally so that the bikes stay in circulation.

The metal trough has a lateral slide rail making logging in easier. It also has a metal belt pushing the pedals into a horizontal position. The module can work with all kinds of surfaces. A small blinking light signals the charging state of the batteries or if there is a reservation.

Each bike has an integrated computer with GPS and W-LAN to track the bikes and determine where they are going or where more might be needed.

Construction of the bike consists of a lightweight aluminum frame, integrated LED lighting, a computer, and a 26V battery, which has a range of 50 km.

"The bike has to satisfy an important criterion to make both Copenhagener and tourists use it: It has to be better than their own bike! Great importance has been attached to user friendliness and innovation."

The bikes are designed to be attractive and fun to ride and could be sponsored by various companies, much like traditional advertising.