Joe Blake
22nd February 2007, 21:02
Toronto had a "bike share" program (but is now defunct - lack of funding).
http://www.communitybicyclenetwork.org/index.php?q=bikeshare
(Seemed to be a few "missing in action" though.)
I think just painting them would be insufficient. Maybe either weld an extra frame member that can't be easily removed or (as in the case of Australia Post) have bikes built to a specific design ie with two different sized wheels, so that immediately identifies these machines as not being privately owned ones. (This means of course you can't sell them at auctions when they're worn out, but hey, you can't make an omelette without cracking an egg or two.)
But technology can come to the rescue. Consider an electric assist machine for use within a designated radius. Fit each bike with an RFID chip that keeps track of the machine, and if it goes outside the designated radius, the chip shuts down the electronics and the motor stops running, and maybe even locks the cranks.
Further, the RFID chip could be used to recharge the batteries. Just plug the machine's charge plug into a "charge pole" at the "bike stations" and the RFID chip would activate the charger, in the same way as door locks can be activated by swiping one's wallet or purse which contains an ID chip.
Perhaps to encourage people to plug them in when they're finished, give a small cash refund (say 50 cents or something, in a similar fashion as those at airports to return luggage trollies.)
Joe
http://www.communitybicyclenetwork.org/index.php?q=bikeshare
(Seemed to be a few "missing in action" though.)
I think just painting them would be insufficient. Maybe either weld an extra frame member that can't be easily removed or (as in the case of Australia Post) have bikes built to a specific design ie with two different sized wheels, so that immediately identifies these machines as not being privately owned ones. (This means of course you can't sell them at auctions when they're worn out, but hey, you can't make an omelette without cracking an egg or two.)
But technology can come to the rescue. Consider an electric assist machine for use within a designated radius. Fit each bike with an RFID chip that keeps track of the machine, and if it goes outside the designated radius, the chip shuts down the electronics and the motor stops running, and maybe even locks the cranks.
Further, the RFID chip could be used to recharge the batteries. Just plug the machine's charge plug into a "charge pole" at the "bike stations" and the RFID chip would activate the charger, in the same way as door locks can be activated by swiping one's wallet or purse which contains an ID chip.
Perhaps to encourage people to plug them in when they're finished, give a small cash refund (say 50 cents or something, in a similar fashion as those at airports to return luggage trollies.)
Joe