A European-style free bike scheme in Adelaide – a people friendly idea for many cities

Adelaide City Council is the first in Australia to provide free bikes for visitors and city workers, modelling its program on the bicycle-friendly cities of Copenhagen and Helsinki. Jointly, the Council and Bicycle SA are starting with a fleet of 40 bikes which will grow to 80 over the next three months. With cycle tourism growing throughout the world they aim to showcase Adelaide as a world class cycle tourism destination.

Seven days a week bikes can be hired free of charge for up to two hours. After this there is a fee of $6 per hour, or $25 per full day. Helmets and bike locks are supplied. There is a free callout service for any mechanical difficulties and Bicycle SA will be on the end of a phone should riders require assistance!

Initially the Bicycle SA office in the CBD will be the collection/drop-off point but additional points are to be added over the coming months. Bicycle lanes are slowly increasing too, with overseas experience showing that the more cyclists on the streets, the safer it is for them.

For more info contact Peter Solly, Executive Director Bicycle SA ph:08 8232 2644 http://www.bikesa.asn.au

FOR NSW & VICTORIAN CYCLISTS: www.bikepaths.com.au has set up a list and a map of cafes along bike trails – apparently fine coffee is to cyclists what wind is to yachts and meat pies is to footy! Sip-N-Cycle tips is sponsored by Monte Coffee.