It has become an international race between world cities: who has got the coolest bike hire scheme?
Copenhagen has had free bikes for many years; 20kroner would release a two-wheeler nobody would want to steal.
Now they are joining the race. Choosing between 127 entries must have not been easy, even though some seemed to take the mickey.
Top choice was the OPENbike concept (above) by Lots Designs, Kouchy & Partners. The interesting concept is that bikes don’t need docking stations and their expensive infrastructure; all the electronics (lock & release, tracking, etc.) are in the bike. Users can leave the bicycle and sign off anywhere. Major hubs will have high capacity storage centres.
Very cool. Does Copenhagen really need it? Probably not; but the self-proclaimed World Capital of Cycling obviously feels it needs keeping up with Jones.
