Auckland Looking for the Next Bike

Auckland, New Zealand has a bike-sharing REOI -- government speak for Request for Expressions of Interest. According to the document:

The first Public Bike Hire scheme in Auckland was launched by Nextbikes in Auckland CBD in 2008. In 2010, the scheme expanded to include Devonport and Takapuna on the North Shore. At that time the scheme had 170 bikes on the street sharing public bike parking stands. The scheme ceased trading in early November 2010.

Auckland Transport was created on 1st November 2010 following governance changes in the Auckland region. It is a council controlled organisation responsible for transport provision and transport planning in Auckland (population 1.4 million). It has a strong policy mandate to promote and develop walking and cycling as part of an integrated transport strategy. The Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) provides the strategic long term direction for transport, including cycling, in the city region.

Since the demise of the Nextbikes scheme, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport have each already considered proposals for, and adopted resolutions in support of further investigating a public bike hire scheme for Auckland.

There is no solid requirement for the number of bikes and stations, however, in the short-term the service must begin by their hosting of the World Rugby Cup. (Any guess on when this is so I can book my ticket?)

The closing date of the REOI is February 4. The REOI is linked here on The Bike-sharing Blog and may be accessed on the Auckland Transport site.

image credit: City Pictures

Bike-sharing in New Zealand

The following is from Waikato Times dated March 20 and includes the first bike-sharing programs in New Zealand. Welcome, Kiwis. The technology behind Goodgear, the New Zealand company managing this effort, is nextbike.


Bicycles built for few offered to public

By Michael Cummings

A public bicycle scheme launched in Hamilton this week could come as timely relief for motorists feeling the pinch from soaring petrol prices.

More than 40 bikes locked on racks at Waikato University, Garden Place, the transport centre on Anglesea St and on Hood St have been made available to the public.

Bicycle company Goodgear is behind the move, which is being backed by the Hamilton City Council.

People who have registered to use the bikes can call a number from their mobile phone, quote the number on the bike and it is released for their use.

When the bike is returned, the rider calls the number again and the fee is charged to their credit card.

The bikes cost $3 an hour or $15 for 24 hours.

Goodgear director Julian Hulls said the scheme was also operating in Auckland, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui and Rotorua.

"We're really very keen for this to be national," Mr Hulls said.

"Clearly, we have to start with baby steps."

The city council has provided the bike racks and is helping Goodgear promote the initiative.

The council's cycle projects engineer, Philip King, and councillor Daphne Bell went for a spin on the bikes at the official launch in Garden Place on Tuesday.

Cr Bell, a keen cyclist, said she hoped people got caught up in the rising popularity of pedal power.

"We need some early adopters, some pioneers to lead the way," she said.

Mr King said the availability of the bikes should help get cars off the road [...]