Free bikes

[calabash]

Now, would this work here in SA?

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/education/20bikes.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

 

[Slave]

Nope. The bike would get zikked / swiped / jacked /stolen.

 

Well, that's just like my opinion dude.

[vaulter1]

Unfortunately I don't think SA (more specifically Jo'burg) has the infrastructure to make a success of something like this.  While it's a brilliant idea, there needs to be more public"acceptance" of safely riding a bike as a mode of transport.  I'm not discounting the guys that already commute by bike but I think we're a long way off from bike lanes on most roads and a "safe" cycling environment.  This (infrastructure not free bikes) is something that the government needs to spearhead and I don't really see them caring.  Just my 2c...

[FanieFiets]

would work at stellenbosch. Parking always a hassle. When I was there it was the way I commuted 90% of the time. 

[Cois]

Built in a C4 package with a sensor. If the bike leaves the area it goes BOOM taking the ass with him that stole the bike.

 

About 2 KG of C4 should do...

[calabash]

I lived in Aspen, CO. The town bought a ton of bikes and made them freely available to the public. They also sold advertising on the bikes. Worked very well.

[vaulter1]

There are also bike racks on public buses in most US cities,  safe bike paths and lanes, very few razor-wire fences, decent respect for human life, etc. etc.  There are very few things in SA that create an environment to foster "free bikes" either on campuses for students or throughout the town for everyone.  We're years away from anything close.  Aspen is definietely on the progressive side of the bike culture in states but even a "middle-of-the-road" local government in the US would make most places here look like a joke.