Sydney bike-sharing service Reddy Go wants to make cycling easier, but it might come at a cost

A NEW dockless bike sharing service promises to get more people on bicycles, but not everyone thinks it’s a good idea.

The bike offered by Reddy Go

SYDNEY residents are about to see thousands of red bicycles scattered throughout the city, following the launch of a dockless bike-sharing service.

Following the lead of Melbourne’s first dockless cycle-sharing service, Reddy Go is working to bring 6000 GPS tracked bikes to the streets of Sydney before Christmas.

Backed by a large Chinese app developer, the cycle-sharing service offers bikes for hire at just $1.99 for half an hour — there is also a $99 membership fee that is refundable on request.

Unlike Brisbane’s failed bike-hire scheme that required bikes to be returned to designated docking stations, Reddy Go allows users to leave the bicycle where they please.

Similar to car-sharing service GoGet, the service will show users where their closest bicycle is located and by using the Reddy Go app customers can reserve their ride for up to 15 minutes.

When they are ready to ride, it’s as simple as scanning a QR code or entering the bike ID to unlock the bicycle for as long as they wish to use the service.

Payment is made at the end of the journey via the app once the bike is locked via a push lever.

With fines of $330 handed to people not wearing helmets — making NSW one of the toughest jurisdictions in the world — each Reddy Go bike will also come with a helmet to ensure riders comply with cycling laws.

The bike has an adjustable seat, power transmission chain drive, sturdy AL frame, responsive brakes and built in LED light for riding in the dark.

“The GPS integrated Reddy Go bike is designed for easy rides in the urban environment, easy to use and fit for all types,” the company’s website explains.

The system is all controlled by an app.

Bicycle NSW said it welcomed the introduction of the Reddy Go bike share scheme.

“Bike share schemes have a great capacity to help newer riders to be able to test out bike riding for transport without having to invest in a new bike and gear before they are confident riding will work for them,” Bicycle NSW wrote.

“It’s a great way to ‘try before you buy’ and we’re hoping it will get more people riding. The more bike riders in any city or town, the more visible and safer riding is for everybody.”

While the benefit of being able to take a one-way journey to wherever you please sounds great, there are concerns the scheme might cause problems recently seen in London.

After dockless riding-sharing oBike launched earlier this month, Hackney Council raised a number of concerns about the service, reported Business Insider.

The main concern was bikes had been “left in locations that cause obstructions and problems for pedestrians — particularly the elderly, disabled and parents with prams”.

Redistribution of the bicycles was also discussed because the council felt it is highly likely “there will be clusters of bikes left around locations like train stations and high streets”.

And based on Twitter, it appears these concerns are justified.

@ObikeUk Hi! Found this in Haggerston Park, E2. People shouldn't leave the bikes like this, should they? pic.twitter.com/8wEXC0VI9x

— Anders Sjølie (@anderssjolie) July 13, 2017

I see oBike is off to a great start in London... pic.twitter.com/chJvfcMV8B

— Ben Sullivan (@_BenSullivan_) July 13, 2017

So, Obike turned up in Hammersmith. And the bikes have already been served a highway obstruction notice. pic.twitter.com/jtJEFRPRsa

— Michael Passingham (@MrPassingham) July 14, 2017

Do you have a license to litter our streets? pic.twitter.com/Iu2msO2Fwo

— Jagtar (@jagsicle) July 12, 2017

Reddy Go have said the rollout would focus on Chatswood, Macquarie Park, Burwood, Waterloo, Zetland and other densely populated parts of Sydney in the next six months.

The company has said it will also employ staff to ensure the service doesn’t result in clogged footpaths at popular locations like train stations.

Do you think the system will work or be flawed? Continue the conversation in the comments below or with Matthew Dunn on Facebook and Twitter.