China brought Bike Sharing to a whole new level

A traditional bike station in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China

Normally, bike sharing programs use bike docks or stations. If you want to rent a bike, you have to go to a bike station and get one there. When you get to your destination, you have to look for a bike station to lock and leave the bike. Think Velib in Paris, Boris Bikes in London, and Bixi in Montreal. This way, bike share operators ensure the safekeeping of their bikes.

It started the same way in China (particularly in Beijing and Shanghai). But this past year it metamorphosized and China brought bike sharing to a whole new level. 

OFO Bikes

Because of stiff competition, bike share operators in China have done away with bike docks or stations! They now allow users to pick up and leave bikes wherever they  please.

Blue Gogo

Bikes are literally everywhere. They're parked on every street corner. Different colors, different designs. 

MoBike

There's OFO Bikes, Blue Gogo, Mobike (the most popular) and a dozen other bike share providers. It's insane.

You just download the app, register, and deposit a consumable downpayment fee (300 RMB for Mobike).

Then you look for a bike and scan its QR code. It unlocks, and you're good to go! 

Once you complete your trip, just park the bike on the curb, lock and leave it. No need to find a bike dock or station! So convenient!

They even have them in electric bikes!!! How wicked is that?!

But how about security? Well, the program is not fool proof. Some bikes do get stolen. In fact, an official in Jiangsu province told me as much as 10,000 bikes get broken, lost or stolen each day! So I don't know if this business model will keep bike share providers afloat.

Another issue is sidewalk bike-clogging. An official in Shanghai told me that parked rental bikes are clogging the sidewalks, blocking the way of pedestrians. Shanghai is crafting a policy that would assign specific parking areas for these kinds of bikes.

On a final note, these Chinese bike sharing operators are branching out to other countries! Blue Gogo will be in the US, while Mobike is already in Singapore! I wonder if the Philippines is in their radar.

Bike Commuting in the US; Using Boston's Hubway Bike Sharing Program

Hubway Bike Station at Harvard Kennedy School

I went to Boston, Massachusetts, to attend a short course last July 2015, and I got a chance to try their bike sharing program. They call theirs Hubway and it works very similar to other bike sharing systems. You can be an annual member or a pay-as-you-go customer. Since I was in Boston for less than a month, I chose to be the latter.

Photo grabbed from Boston Herald.

For pay-as-you-go (or short-term access), Hubway offers two options--1-day pass or 3-day pass. Here are the steps to rent a Hubway bike:

  1. Insert your credit card at the kiosk of the bike station.

  2. Choose between the 1-day pass or the 3-day pass on the touch screen.

  3. Then choose if you will rent 1 bike or 2 bikes.

  4. Enter an area code and telephone number (just encode the local area code 

      and your hotel's telephone number, you'll be alright)

  5. The kiosk will print your 5-digit passcode.

  6. Go to any terminal with a bike, and key in the passcode within 5 minutes.

  7. The bike will unlock and you are ready to go.

From Hubway website

I found the pricing reasonable. It costs $6 for the 1-day pass, while it's $12 for the 3-day pass. And as long as each trip is less than 30 minutes, they you can ride as much as you can--meaning, you can take multiple trips at no extra cost! (See banner above)

Hubway Bike Station at Soldiers Field Park

I used the Hubway bikes to commute between Soldiers Field Park (where my accommodation was) and Harvard Kennedy School (where I had my classes). The bikes were sturdy; the seats were adjustable; the 3-gears were adequate for the city; and the front rack accommodates most backpacks. I found the system appealing and wished we had the same back home. 

However, from my experience, I found out that bike sharing programs also have their share of problems and challenges. First, on software issues. The Hubway touch screens sometimes did not work, which meant I couldn't rent a bike. On those occasions, I had to run to school. Second, on bike availability. There were times when a bike station didn't have a single bike available--so I couldn't rent, and there were times when a bike station was full and didn't have space for parking--which meant I had to go to another location to park a bike. 

I didn't use Hubway bikes just for commutes between school and home. I also rode the bikes to go to the mall and tour the city. Cambridge and Boston roads generally have marked bike lanes, which most vehicles respect. And the Metro Boston area has quite a good number and equal distribution of bike stations. Overall, I had a positive experience of the Boston Hubway Bike Sharing System.

VIDEO: McBike. Mcdonald's Take-away Pack for Cyclists.

This is cool! I hope the McBike take-away pack hits Philippine shores soon! It looks awesome!

VIDEO: How to bike with a skirt without exposing yourself

Don't let wearing a skirt stop you from riding a bike. Put a penny in your pants to avoid exposing yourself! 

Video from Treehugger and Vimeo.

Video: NYC's CitiBike

Sharing this bike video about New York City's CitiBike bike-sharing system.

No Bike Lanes in Auckland CBD, Only Bike Boxes

It's one thing that Auckland is hilly, it's another thing that the city doesn't have bike lanes on major roads. What they do have are bike boxes on intersections. These are spaces painted green placed in front of cars, where cyclists can wait while the traffic signal is on stop. I guess it's the least thing the city can do--making sure cyclists have an allocated space at intersections, and have a jump start when the light turns green.

But cycling is still a challenge here in Auckland. Since there are no bike lanes, I share the outermost lane with the buses. And buses here run fast and stick very close to the curb. Hindi lang nakakatakot para sa siklista, pati na rin sa naglalakad. There have been quite a few times that I almost got sideswiped by a bus while walking on the sidewalk. That's how close they drive!

I guess sanayan lang, as I still see many cyclists around the CBD. But I'm not cycling anytime soon. It's winter and it's freezing cold. I'll probably wait 'til spring.

In the meantime, I hope the MMDA back home can do something similar at our intersections and paint bike boxes for cyclists.

Orakei Basin, Auckland, New Zealand

Wow, I haven't updated this blog in a long time. I was just so busy these past 2 months. Elections back home last April and then my numerous academic requirements here in Auckland this May. Anyway, this post is long delayed. I visited the Orakey Basin just outside the Auckland Central city limits in April, when the weather was still fine. Right now it's the start of winter and it's freezing cold. No way I'm going to bike outside.

I like visiting this place. There's a walkway/bikeway overlooking the Orakei Basin. It's peaceful and relaxing. One end is a residential area, while the other end has the Orakei Train Station. The short, but scenic bikeway is about 1 km long.

That's me with my bike, Brommie Skywalker. Behind us, if you can still see, is the Auckland Central skyline. Orakei Basin is located about 6 kms south of the Auckland Skytower.

Wherever you are (as long as you're not in the southern hemisphere), Happy Cycling!

CBD to Newmarket via Parnell

After my class in the afternoon, I decided to ride my Brompton from the CBD up to Newmarket to visit a shop. I chose the Parnell route. It was an uphill climb from the get-go, but I persevered. Reached Newmarket after 2.5 kms.

From Newmarket I passed by Auckland Domain and stopped at the Auckland War Museum. Sayang, maganda sana yung view, pero maulap nung time na yun.

After the museum, I biked back down to Parnell and stopped at La Porchetto for dinner.

Had pasta. Yum.

Then I went home. It was all downhill so I got back pretty fast. But I don't think I'll be going back to Newmarket via my bike anytime soon. It's just too steep. I'll probably stick to visiting Mission Bay.

Wherever you are, happy cycling!

Kia Ora!

Hello from beautiful New Zealand!

I wasn't active on my blog for a long time because I was preparing for my trip here in Auckland. I brought my folding bike with me to help me with my commute, but this city is hilly! I'm glad I have a 6-speed Brompton, but still! There are some parts that even my granny gears won't be able to help me. And I am still getting used to the drivers and the traffic rules. They drive on the other side of the road.

Yesterday, I took my bike down to Tamaki Drive and I really enjoyed the view. I learned why Auckland is named the City of Sails.

As you can see, Kiwis love boats!

They have many marinas. This one is in Orakei.

Well, that's it for now. I will be riding my bike more often around New Zealand. Hopefully, take it with me to visit Hobbiton! Stay tuned!

New Bike Lane Along The Manila Bay Boardwalk

Yesterday, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, along with some Metro Manila mayors and Ms Earth beauties, inaugurated the first MMDA bike lane in Manila. It starts at Remedios Circle in Malate then flows out to Roxas Blvd. before turning to Quirino Ave. and ending at Paraiso ng Batang Maynila on Adriatico Street. It's just 1.75 kms. It's short, yes, but it makes a bold statement--that Metro Manila finally recognizes bicycles as a major mode of transportation.

The photo above shows the Roxas Blvd. section of the bike lane, which at the time of this blog stretches 700 meters. The lane is fully painted (and not just a line); There are numerous signs informing people and other commuters that it is a bike lane; And there's a bike rack across Raja Sulayman Park. Have I mentioned that it's got a fantastic view of Manila Bay?

Last year, the CCP, with noble intentions, tried to implement a bike network within its compound. But the project was a failure, mainly because all management did was paint a single green line on the side of the road. Naturally, drivers of motor vehicles disregarded it. Soon enough the paint faded away and the bike lane was gone.

I hope the MMDA bike lanes don't suffer the same fate. I hope the MMDA continues to support and protect the cities' thousands of cyclists. I thank all those (there are numerous organizations) who in one way or the other contributed to make this project a reality. I read somewhere that the MMDA is planning to open other bike lanes in Metro Manila. Good!!

Mabuhay po kayo!

The Tern/Xtracycle Cargo Joe folding bike

Photo grabbed from www.bikerumor.com

An Xtracycle cargo bike THAT'S also a Tern folding bike? Oh my God, I want this!

BikeRumor.com recently wrote about the new Cargo Joe folding bike unveiled by the two bike companies in Interbike 2012. It's not yet on the Tern website but Bike Rumor reported that the bike will retail for US$999 (or PhP 41,600.00).

 

The wheels are 26" so the fold will be anything but compact. But at least, the bike will be small enough to fit the trunk of a mini-van or at the back of a pick-up truck. Besides, you can uninstall the Xtracycle cargo extension and attach the standard Tern rear wheel to convert it into a regular Tern folding bike.

 

I've always wanted a cargo bike, and with this new folding bike hybrid from Tern and Xtracycle, I'm sold. I imagine being able to carry both my wife and daughter on the rear rack to go to the grocery store! Can't wait for the Cargo Joe to be available here in the Philippines! 

Bike Crash Kit App

Have you ever been involved in a traffic accident as a cyclist? Do you know what steps to take immediately right after an accident (assuming no one's hurt)? Well, a New York law firm developed a Bike Crash Kit App for iPhones to assist cyclists in such road mishaps. I just downloaded it and here's my review. 

I like the app because it's simple and straightforward. When a bike crash happens you just click on "New Crash" and start encoding the necessary information on the app to document the incident (i.e. license plate of the car, the driver's particulars, witnesses names and contact details). Then you can push "Location" to pinpoint where you are on a map and you can find the nearest hospital and/or bike shop. When you press "Media," you can access your iPhone's camera, voice recorder and notepad. In addition, you can make a sketch of the accident. Another helpful feature is called the "Accident Info Guide" which summarizes New York City and State bike laws, among others.  

The app is FREE on iTunes. There must be a catch, right? Well, yes, there is. After typing the details of the accident and you push "E-Mail," the law firm Flanzig & Flanzig LLP gets a copy of your report, makes an assessment and may give their initial legal advise on the incident. Now you may or may not retain them, that's ultimately your choice. But, they've got their foot in the door, so to speak.

I wish a local law firm here in the Philippines can come out with a similar app. God knows Filipino cyclists need all the help we can get when encountering truck, bus, jeepney, car, and tricycle drivers while navigating the mean streets of Metro Manila.

Premium Rush (bike messenger movie)

Premium Rush is showing in the US today, August 23. I can't wait for it to come out here in the Philippines.  



Bike Commute to AIM in Makati

The office conducted its planning seminar at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) in Makati for two days so I grabbed the chance to commute by bike. I just love it when I pass all these cars stuck in traffic and I feel the drivers' stares as they ask themselves, "Who the F#@% is this guy in a barong? Why is he on a bike? And what's he smiling about?"

Anyway, I digress.

Aside from AIM, I also got to bike-commute to the bank and the mall. Had no problems except from feeling and breathing the hot exhaust coming from the mufflers of Honda Waves. Ugh!

Infographic: Amsterdam on yer bike

Browse more infographics.

I'd love to bike in Amsterdam if given the opportunity. : ) 

Biking from the carwash

Whenever I go to our neighborhood carwash to have my car cleaned I bring the Brompton with me. I park my car, leave the keys with the attendant, unfold my bike, and cycle home. I get to do whatever I want (i.e. go back to sleep, read the paper, surf the net, take a shower, etc.) After an hour, I bike back to the carwash, fold up the Brompton, place it in the trunk, pay the attendant, start the car and drive home.

Folding bike usefulness at its best.

I get a kick out of the jealous looks I get from the other guys there when I leave them in the carwash. It's priceless. : )

Video: FBP on GMA News

Here's an 8-minute segment of GMA News-to-Go, taken Wednesday morning (June 20), featuring folding bikes. Paul and Froi of FBP explain to TV reporter Kara David.

Good job, guys!

The Problem With Security Guards...

Head of Security of Mind Museum tried to catch up with us and apologize, but the damage had been done.

The problem with security guards is that they don't think. They just do. Which is okay, I guess, if they're guarding a prison or a concentration camp. But not when they're protecting a business establishment.

The circumstances are different.

The former is black-and-white. No ifs, no buts. Rules should be strictly followed. The latter, however, is fluid and ever-changing. A rule for one customer may not be applicable to another. That's why, for guards assigned to shops and retail stores, they should assess the situation first and then decide whether to enforce an order or not.

Sadly, a lot of security guards here in the Philippines belong to the first group--those who just do, and not think. They act like robots and it drives us private citizens crazy!

Case in point, my friends and I biked to Fort Bonifacio yesterday. We went to the Mind Museum with the hopes of having our group picture taking there. While we were assembling our bikes, a security guard approached us and said, "Bawal mag-picture taking dito, sir." (It's prohibited to take a picture here, sir) Apparently, according to him, we were obstructing the free passage of potential museum visitors (It was a Saturday and we were practically the ONLY people there).

We told him that our photo wouldn't take long and proceeded to set up. After 30 seconds, we left and went to another spot (further away from the building) for another group photo. We thought we would be left alone. But no. The security guards followed us and insisted that we could not take pictures. This was OUTSIDE the museum, mind you, and we were arguing that its a public place and we weren't obstructing any passage way.

And then things escalated. One female museum officer walked out of her office and asked us who we were. By this time, my friends were already fuming mad. The way the question was framed kasi was insulting.

I answered her, "We are Brompton Club of the Philippines." 

"What's the purpose of taking photos? commercial or personal?," she asked.

I said, "Personal. It's for the group photo of our club."

According to her, that was their only concern--that the photos were not intended for commercial purposes.

I told her if that was the only concern, then THAT should have been brought up at the very beginning, when the guards first confronted us.

But instead of THINKING, the guards just said "Bawal ang picture taking dito." (You can't take pictures).

THAT IS A MILE DIFFERENT from "If its for commercial purposes, then I'm sorry, you cannot take photos. But if its for your personal use, then by all means, shoot as you go."

A whole lot of difference!

Later that day, I had another mis-encounter with a security guard. This time at a Seven Eleven in Eco Plaza, Pasong Tamo Ext., Makati.

I parked my folding bike in front of the convenience store and the security guard told me it was prohibited. I told him I'd just grab a bottle of Gatorade and it wouldn't take me more than 2 minutes. At that point, he should've assessed the situation and thought to himself that it was just going to be a couple of minutes. No biggie. Let me slide.

But no. No such thing as 'thinking' for this guy.

As I was inside Seven Eleven (and I was there for less than 30 seconds), this security guard carried my bike and took it away with him.

Without a warning. Nothing. He just took it.

Now I don't care if bikes are prohibited in front of a business establishment. Security guards HAVE NO RIGHT TO TAKE THEM AWAY.

That to me is STEALING.

So after paying for my drink, I walked out and caught up with him. I said he had no right to take my bike. He repeated himself and said it was prohibited.

I just shook my head and took my bike away from him. No sense trying to reason with this guy. I'll just write a complaint letter to his superior on Monday. What a douche.

The guard's name was JJT Daguio. He should learn some manners.

There are rules, I know, but not all circumstances call for their strict implementation. "No eating or drinking inside" does not mean one cannot bring an unopened water bottle in the shop. "No picture taking" should not apply when a person is taking a picture outside the establishment's premises. And "No parking" should definitely not include a person leaving his bike for a few seconds just to grab something from a store.

I wish security guards wisen up and apply their intelligence when doing their job. And I wish their bosses allow them some leeway to think and make simple decisions.

Video: Barclays Cycle Hire

Very informative instructional video on the Barclays Cycle Hire. Makes me want to explore London on bike. : )

Video: From the Netherlands to America

From the Netherlands to America: Translating the World's Best Bikeway Designs from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

I hope Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano gets a hold of this video and implements the bikeway designs in her city. Things might be too late in Makati, Manila and Quezon City, but there's still hope in Taguig!