But for me I would be scared to death to ride a bike in NYC. I feel like I'm tempting fate just getting in my son's car. People are such aggressive drivers there.

Somehow I do not think this is going to work out as envisioned.

Just like shoplifting to see who can walk out with the most valuable haul.

I won't be surprised if it does.

The only urban area where I have spent any time that did not have a serious theft problem was Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Of course, they remove body parts - a hand, or sometimes a hand and a foot, from people convicted of theft in Riyadh. Not much recidivism in that area of the world.

they probably micro-chipped them.

though obviously you couldn't rent them until today.

Still. Unfortunate.

So it's no wonder the NY Post picked up the story.

Starting with the wheels. I'm surprised they went with spokes instead of alloy.

other cities, and it's a great way to tour as well as to get around at home...

of a big city is a good system. I am glad they are doing this. I predict it will be a success.

the novel Ecotopia.

We tried a so called White Bike Program in Holland during the sixties. Actually, the first white bike was impounded by the police. Later, the rest were stolen or demolished.

I mean, you used it if it was there when you needed it and you didn't pay for it, just left it for the next person. Is that right?

In this program, I think you have to swipe your credit card to take the bike off the rack. Anyway, I'm guessing it works that way, cuz I saw a Bike Share rack in DC last month, and it operates by credit card.

Last edited Tue May 28, 2013, 12:31 AM - Edit history (1)

Mostly by making specially made bikes, with left hand components, i.e. threads that go counter-clockwise instead of clockwise. In simple terms, you steal such a bike it become worthless for they are NO parts you can get to keep it running. Your best option is to take the bike to a bike rack and leave it there.

In addition to parts that are hard to get (including tires, often these bikes have non-traditional wheels sizes and thus unique tires sizes), a growing use of Smart cards have come into play. Most permit the user to ride the bike for 2 hours (or whatever is the reserve time is) but if you hold it longer, you are charged a high fee.


These bikes are suppose to be inspected on a regular basis by people who has access to the tools and replacement parts.

For more information on such systems:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_sharing_system

Basically, the bikes involve tend to be heavy, cruiser type bikes, with special wheels and tires. The parts are HEAVY not only to take a beating, but to cheap to replace (and often not worth stealing for you can buy better parts cheaper). You have to use a special electronic pass (or a credit card) to be able to use one, and thus if it is damages or not returned the last person who had it would pay a steep fine (With modern Credit Cards, a quick fine charged to the card).

These modern systems are in many cities across Europe.

But thanks for the naysaying from whatever.

Success will be determined by things like how good the network of bike paths in, how well the bike paths are protected from motor vehicles, and how the cops treat bikers. All those factors are within the public sphere.

The system that logs bikes in and out had to be rebooted twice in the two hours we used the system, and the website can't show where the bike stations are and how may slotes they have available.

Hell, if THEY can watch my every move and keystroke, THEY must be able to track the whereabouts of a bike...

Do you want your bike rides tracked?

Please ignore the inevitable attacks by the car/oil/gas lobbies.

After only a few years, the bikes have become an integral part of downtown Montreal, for both locals and tourists. Bike-sharing works great. You can arrange it over the internet. I use it. My friends use it. Visitors love it.

Progress, friends.

I'm interested in seeing how well it does.

I wonder if I can still ride a bike. It's been around 30 years since I rode one. Yet people say you don't ever forget how to ride a bike.