BikeMi
Late last year Milan introduced a bike sharing scheme. This is nothing new, many cities in Italy already have one. Now after several months it is very popular, especially with workers in the morning and evening – key bike stations need to be constantly replenished to avoid shortages. Initially there were about 100 of these stations and 900 bikes.
So how does it work?
There are 3 types of rate:
- Yearly €36
- Weekly €6
- Daily €2.50
These allow you the use of a bike for 30 minutes at a time. Then you will be charged 50 cents for every half hour for up to a maximum of 2 hours, after which the bike must be returned or you will incur a penalty! (Exceeding the 2 hour maximum 3 times will block your subscription) However, it is enough to park your bike at one of the many stations to reset your time (Note: you must wait 15 minutes before a bike becomes usable again). Bikes are available 365 days a year from 07.00–02.00. There is the possibility of the scheme operating throughout the night.
Registration and more information about the scheme can be obtained from www.bikemi.com. Once registered, a user code and password will be sent via email or sms, or you will receive a card (for the yearly scheme only, which needs to be activated).
BikeMi in Action
Go to one of the many BikeMi station.
Place your card next to the totem reader or enter your user code and password. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Lift the assigned bike off the slot.
Happy and ready to ride.
Return the bike within the alloted time to avoid any penalty (remember: the first half hour is free). The network of stations is extensive (a downloadable pdf of them all is available on the website).
As stated on the website the bikes come with the following features:
- Ergonomic handlebar
- Adjustable seat
- 3 gears
- Automatic day & night light system
- Anti-slip pedals
Basically, it is just a bike, much like any other!
So far so good. Only on one occasion has the system gone down and customers received a refund and an apology via email.
The bike sharing scheme is also available in other Italian cities.
Bicincittà – Bra (Piedmont)
Bicincittà – Fossano (Piedmont)
