Hourbike (Bristol)

[Sunspots]

New bike hire scheme in Bristol, located on the centre.

A good idea, but/or doomed to failure?

Judging by where they've been put, my first thought echoes one of the other comments on that link: these bikes, and their metal stand, could well become a climbing frame for many a drunken moron on a Friday/Saturday night...

 

[Geri]

I can't really see it working either. Didn't we have one of these, years ago?

I think if people are into riding bikes, they are more than likely to already have one. I'm too fussy to ride any bike but my own.

 

[stavros]

The Paris version has been a big success, but is Bristol big enough to mirror this? I don't know Bristol that well, but it'll be interesting to see if it works in this country.

 

[electrogirl]

Seems a bit silly.

 

[wiskey]

we walked past the ones in the centre yesterday. I think if I was a tourist I might get one and do a circle round the docks.

I don't think it's silly, there's nothing wrong with trying new things. But I bet they all get stolen/broken pdq

 

[electrogirl]

Yeah I dunno, I'm not saying it's not a good endavour, I just don't know how much people will use them. I guess we'll see but I think the centre is quite hard to cycle around, I'd rather just walk.

 

[wiskey]

you aren't a tourist

 

[electrogirl]

Oh yeah, good point.

 

[DaveCinzano]

In addition to the commentary on Bristol Traffic (as linked to in the OP), there's also a more detailed look at the bikes and the scheme by Chris Hutt on his Green Bristol Blog.

 

[Geri]

I think the centre is quite hard to cycle around, I'd rather just walk.

How is it hard to cycle around, being almost completely flat?

 

[electrogirl]

Dunno, I guess it depends where you want to go. I just think it sounds like more hassle than it's worth.

 

[DaveCinzano]

Counter-intuitive routes, odd contraflows, signals which - for road users unfamiliar with the area - can be dangerous, poor and confusing signage, etc.

I guess it also depends on one's definition of the 'centre': either the actual old tram centre/hippodrome, or the general vicinity of that, perhaps stretching out to Temple Meads, Castle Park area, Broadmead & Cabot Circus, maybe the Triangle bit of Clifton, down to Hotwells and the Floating Harbour, and along Stokes Croft.

 

[Geri]

None of that is the centre - the centre is the centre!