BCH commenced operations in July 2010 with 5,000 bicycles and 315 docking stations distributed across the City of London and parts of eight London boroughs.[10] The coverage zone spans approximately 17 square miles (44 km2), roughly matching the Zone 1 Travelcard area. Currently there are some 8,000 'Boris Bikes' and 570 docking stations in the BCH scheme, which has been used for more than 14 million journeys to date.
How does the system work? You can register to receive a member key or just rent the bike with a plastic. The best perk: first 30 min is free and the hour after, only £1! The video explains how it's done.
The bikes had their share of vandalism, like the "F%&k" stickers placed right above the Barclay's logo, reading "F%&k Barclays". The overall reception by Londoners, though, was favorable.
Similar bike-rental scheme called Veturilo, was launched in Warsaw just a month ago. There are 1024 bikes and 57 rental stations in the major neighborhoods of Warsaw. The bikes will operate between March and November.
Finally, some great green idea for Warsaw and for the people.
However, after notorious thefts and vandalism totaling $15,000 in the first month, many question if Poles are ready for such advanced form of rentals. Police is catching people riding the bikes after removing the banners and stickers even though the bikes have a very unique design are are easily recognizable.
The repair crews have to replace parts, wheels, slashed tires, and even reconstruct whole bikes.
Is this behaviour part of the culture or Poles just feel that any community property can be taken, read: stolen, without any consequences? But wait, this is not community property. Three companies shelled out a lot of money to launch this project.
The comments under the article describing the vandalism are merciless. Those actions are, without a question, condemned. Hopefully, the perpetrators will grow bored or be caught to stop this senseless acts. Otherwise, whoever invested the money, will be taken for a ride.
