PT: I joined Mobi as a founder member; it seemed the right thing to do – even though I was doubtful that I would use the system all that much. (I have a couple of bikes conveniently stored in the locker rooms of my building; I generally commute from the West End to downtown. What more do I need?)
And yet, to my surprise, I’ve been using Mobi more than I ever expected.
Why?
First of all (and critically), it is convenient. With a docking station across the street (one of three on the Chilco Bikeway), it’s just as fast to grab a Mobi as to go to the basement, open locked doors, and head out through the garage.
With the Transit App interface, I can check to see if docks are available at my destination station.
More often, though, I use bikeshare on my return home (it’s mostly downhill) if I took transit, taxi or had a lift into the city in the morning. Weather, clearly, plays a role, and I’m more willing to choose the best option available now that I have more choices.
But here’s what I didn’t really take into account: I now take a Mobi if I have to meet someone, typically in the West End, and know that I will be walking with them to another destination like a restaurant. I then don’t have to take my personal bike with me, awkwardly walking it on crowded sidewalks, nor do I have to think about getting back to wherever I might have first racked my bike. I just check the app for the closest Mobi docking station.
In a way, I’ve been liberated from my bike.
Another unexpected use: I came in by SkyTrain from Surrey last night, expecting to transfer to the local bus when I arrived downtown. But I found that it would take about ten minutes for the Robson 5 to arrive (thank you again, real-time Transit App) – and so it was a faster choice to use Mobi for the final leg.
Another surprise: I’m using the helmet – partly because I’m used to wearing helmets, partly because I have to pick one up when the bike and cord are released, partly because so far there’s always been one with every Mobi I’ve used. Looks like the system is working.
Final surprise: I’m amazed how much Mobi is being used generally, if my local docking station is an indication. Within a day of its launch, more than half the bikes were apparently in use.
21 bikes or one SUV
The feel of the central area is most definitely changing – much more like what I’ve experienced in Europe. As the car continues to drop out as a dominant mode, Vancouver becomes more like other world cities that have made the same commitments to walking and cycling. Sure, it’s summer; it’s only a small segment of the city; there’s much less car ownership and use. But still, it feels like we’ve now passed a point of no return, and that, as more infrastructure comes along, so will we.
And for those still begrudging the changes, including many in my own building – get over it. Or better yet, get on a Mobi.
It’s not the Indian Prime Minister…
You’ll want to correct your title and quote to say Mobi.
FYI,
Tanya
I like Modi better than Mobi (Dick).
Changed to Mobi. Thanks for the heads-up.
It’s pretty handy that way for one way trips. In the spring and fall the weather can change drastically in a day. Pouring rain and cold in the morning but then by the time you get off work the sun has come out and it’s hot. That’s when you want to bike home but didn’t bring the bike to work that morning.
Then grabbing a Mobi is very handy.
More and more do not have helmets. And it’s so much easier to deal with those ones. Click – out. Click in. Yay!
I live in Brooklyn and also have my own bike as well as a membership with the bike-share Citibike. By far the most helpful use of Citibike for me is as an extension of the subway. It makes taking the subway (rather than a cab) to a destination that is 20 minutes walk from the nearest station far more convenient. I would think SkyTrain riders would often feel the same way. For instance, taking the SkyTrain from Burnaby to Stanley Park would be a whole lot easier.
I joined Mobi for the same reasons as the author and didn’t think I would use it much. I am using it much more than expected, especially with a dock practically outside my front door and one at work and many near other locations I frequent.
I recently had surgery and have used Mobi as part of my recover/rehab. It worked great, as I was able to cycle one way to avoid hills at first. Now, I often find it more convenient to use the Mobi bikes.
I like that you can use them for one way trips or drop in one location and pick up in another, instead of having to go back and retrieve your bike. While the bikes are a lot heavier and slower, it don’t mind as I likely get a better workout over the same distance.
At first, I thought I wouldn’t renew next year, but now am thinking that I likely will.
The only downsides for me is that the seats are wet when it rains, so either pick a bike that has just been returned or bring a cloth and also I have found the pedals a bit slippery when wet.
Yes a very useful addition to the city. I too became a member and used it a few times. Bike is a bit basic but functional enough, and saddle almost not high enough. Once a helmet was missing. I trust they will expand it further south and west to Spanish banks beaches and UBC.
Meanwhile, in Hangzhou, the host city for the recent G20 talkfest ( btw: no leader arriving by e-bike or by walking or alone to reduce emissions …) Over 300,000 daily users, over 84,000 rental bikes at over 3500 stations.
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2016-09/01/content_26668034.htm
That’s one of the reasons bike stations are often located near rapid transit stations.
It’s being encouraged in Toronto to solve the “last mile” dilemma (for those who don’t want to wait for a bus or walk).
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/transportation/2016/09/01/got-presto-bike-share-has-a-deal-for-you.html
https://cityhallwatch.wordpress.com/2016/09/08/activist-letter-mobi-paz/
Read link above for overt conflict of interest.