In order to significantly increase bicycle commuting, RAFAA figures that the city of Copenhagen would need approximately 25,000 bicycles. Along with the increased number of bikes, you need a lot of storage (about 20,000 sq meters) and an advanced method for tracking the bikes. RAFAA proposes installing a GPS tracking system in addition to a wireless networking system, so the bikes are connected to both each other and to a large reservation system. This will help enable the city to more accurately judge where bikes should be placed. The online system would also allow riders to reserve bikes before their arrival, say at a train station, and bikes can be checked out with a credit card or a Maestro card.
The bicycles are made from a lightweight aluminum frame with integrated LED lighting, a handle bar with a place to swipe a card, and a 26V lithium battery to make the bike easier to ride. Each bike is designed to easily slide into the locking systems at bike share stations.
Locking mechanisms are easy to use and melt into the urban fabric — bikes can be stored on streets, in public squares, or even vertically on walls or light poles near train stations or other popular spots. Rental fees for the bikes depend on how long you take the bike and how far, but prices are reasonable and may even be free for a short time. Ultimately, what RAFAA wants to create is an approachable and easy to use bike sharing system that makes it a snap for people to pick up and drop off a bike wherever they need to.
