Article: RACV wins contract for bike hire scheme

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RACV wins contract for bike hire scheme

RACV wins contract for bike hire scheme

    * AAP
    * From: AAP
    * November 01, 2009 1:56PM

THE RACV motoring association has won a contract to roll out a European-style bike hire system in central Melbourne.

The RACV, in partnership with Alta, a US-based organisation that specialises in urban design, was announced on Sunday as winners of the state government tender.

The program will initially provide 600 bicycles across 50 sites around the City of Melbourne, including Federation Square, Southern Cross station and parliament house.

A Department of Transport spokeswoman said the first 30 minutes of bike hire would be free, but longer trips would incur much higher fees.

"We're obviously trying to encourage short-term use," she said.

All users would also have to pay a daily, weekly, monthly or annual subscription fee, she said.

RACV general manager Gordon Oakley said in a statement that Alta's experience in operating bike-share programs would help transform the city into a more bicycle-friendly precinct.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for those living and working in and around Melbourne to jump on a bike to get to and from work rather than use a car and for those visiting our beautiful city to explore it by bike," Mr Oakley said.

The scheme is expected to begin mid-2010.