Subscribe to Print Edition | Thu., January 10, 2008 Shvat 3, 5768 | | Israel Time: 20:04 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Last update - 15:55 10/01/2008 From Amsterdam to Tel Aviv: Israel's 2nd city promotes bicycling By Avi Bar-Eli, TheMarker correspondent Tags: Tel Aviv, environment  As promised, the Tel Aviv municipality will shortly be issuing an international tender for the establishment, operation and maintenance of a bicycle rental system, similar to that operating in other major cities in Europe. TheMarker has learned that the tender calls for placement of roughly 1,500 to 2,000 bicycles in about 100 parking stations throughout the city. The bicycles would be available for use by subscribers or chance customers for short or extended periods. Payment will be made by credit card, to make sure that people returning the bikes beyond the deadline actually pay the fine. Advertisement The franchise will be operated for a period of five years, with an option for five more. The winner of the tender will have to undertake to install a payment and control system in three languages, and to establish at least one manned call center for public access. The tender winner will also be responsible for routine maintenance of the bicycles and operation, which constitutes the bulk of the project investment. The cost of a yearly subscription will likely be NIS 120, with the use of a bicycle for the first half-hour free for subscribers, and somewhere in the range of five to ten shekels an hour for every additional hour. Chance customers will pay a one-time fee of NIS 10, and NIS 5 to NIS 10 per hour, according to the plan taking shape. Every citizen in Israel who visits the city - not just Tel Aviv residents - will be entitled to use the bicycles. The parking stations will be located at a distance of about 500 meters from one another. The franchisee will be responsible for monitoring and regulation of the bicycles between stations, to avoid shortages of bicycles or parking spaces The tender will include an auction for the grant that the franchisee will receive from the municipality. The annual cost of establishing and operating such a system is estimated at about NIS 10 million to NIS 15 million. The Tel Aviv municipality has decided not to undertake a B.O.T. (build, operate, transfer) tender - where the winner establishes and operates the system in exchange for royalties from public fees - in order to maintain control over flexible pricing of the service. Revenues from the rental service will therefore go to municipal coffers. International companies experienced in the area are expected to compete for the tender, but these may well cooperate with local businesses. The municipality is also hoping for an amendment to the helmets law in the near future, which will require the use of helmets only when using sports bicycles off urban roads. To date the municipality has paved 74 kilometers out of the 100 total kilometers of bike paths planned in the city by 2009, when the city will celebrate its 100th anniversary. A survey conducted by the municipality in 2004 showed that 5% of the city's residents go to work on bicycles, arriving within 16 minutes. The intention is to imitate similar successful systems currently operating, mainly in western Europe. In Paris, for instance, 20,000 bicycles are offered for rent, after more than 150,000 residents subscribed to the service in the first four months of its operation. The system in Barcelona, Spain reportedly has more than 60,000 subscribers. Related articles: Israel Bike Trail gets ready to roll Cyclists off the rails Green group opposes TASE exhibit's globalization message Bookmark to del.icio.us   'Bush go home' Israeli Arab parties join leftist protests against the Bush visit. Peace overture Syria says it isn't seeking a military solution with Israel.   1.   will they be supplying gas masks as well 08:42  |  sj 10/01/08   2.   cycle lanes 10:18  |  Cycler 10/01/08   3.   how it sounds and how it will be 10:47  |  gabriela 10/01/08   4.   haha 11:32  |  Julie 10/01/08   5.   Free parts from 2000 bicycles 12:20  |  Nora 10/01/08   6.   Go Tel Aviv, go! 12:51  |  TA lover 10/01/08   7.   three disgusting complainers 14:31  |  Oldtimer 10/01/08   8.   Bike transport 16:20  |  Boris 10/01/08   9.   #4, Julie 16:23  |  Avi 10/01/08   10.   Way to go, Tel-Aviv! 16:39  |  Nyctamere 10/01/08   11.   Need more dedicated bike paths 18:39  |  Lemmings Hotline 10/01/08   12.   #9 Avi 19:30  |  Julie 10/01/08

Today Online Bush: Palestinian state is solution to refugee issue Responses: 230 Libya thwarts Security Council censure of Shlomi missile strike Responses: 81 Shavit: If they want a state, Palestinians must undergo ideology change Responses: 144 W. Bank Palestinians brace for visit by 'that criminal' Bush Responses: 54 Rosner's Domain What does "change" mean for Israel? How many states between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates? (WTR) New poll: Who is the candidate that will have better policies for Israel? Rosner's Guest: Israel at present is not a light unto the nations Rosner's Mailbox: Anti-Semites within Ron Paul's camp More Headlines 19:14 Bush: Palestinian statehood and compensation are solution to refugee issue 16:18 Israeli envoy to U.S.: All options are on the table regarding Iran 19:53 Qassam strikes near cafeteria, causing damage but no injuries 19:36 Manchester United invited to play during Israel's 60th anniversary celebrations 18:23 Book on Greek-Jewish roots of Sarkozy goes on sale in Greece 13:56 ANALYSIS: Palestinians believe Bush won't pressure Israel 19:47 Jewish cemetery in New Jersey desecrated by vandals 14:26 British magazine names Israeli model Bar Refaeli 'Body of 2008' 15:24 Montenegro air base that played role in Israel's birth under threat 15:55 From Amsterdam to Tel Aviv: Israel's 2nd city promotes bicycling Previous Editions Select Day 09 jan 08 jan 07 jan 06 jan 04 jan 03 jan 02 jan 01 jan 31 dec 30 dec 28 dec 27 dec

Special Offers Advertisement FAREWELL ISRAEL New Film The Coming War for Islamic Revival - View Movie Trailer Inbal Jerusalem Hotel Unbeatable rates at the Finest hotel in Jerusalem Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! AMERICANS CHOOSE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE U.S. citizen in Israel vote in Democrats-Abroad official global primary.

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved