OYBike

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

OYBike is a bicycle sharing scheme based across London and in other areas of the United Kingdom including Reading, Farnborough and Southampton. The program is similar to, but not exactly the same as, other programs in different cities. The OYBike system was developed by former-cabbie Bernie Hanning over the last twenty years but officially launced as a trial in 2004.^[1] He sees these bikes as one aspect of a larger public transportation network. ^[2] Trials initially began in Hammersmith and Fulham in West London where it was put in place at tube stations and theatres with the support of the local council. ^[2] The relative ease with which an OyBike hire station can be erected has been cited as potential for growth in the city of London.^[1]

Users pay an initial fee and then are then charged based on usage. The account is topped back up once usage reduces the balance. ^[3] A mobile phone can be used to receive the required code to unlock a bike for immediate use.^[4] The bike can be returned to any OYBike station.^[2]