Commuters in Auckland could be sharing bikes to get to work within two years.
Auckland Council is looking at rental scheme where people and pick of and drop off bikes at different points in the city. Photo: 123RF
Auckland Council is looking at a cycle share scheme, where people can rent a bike in one part of the city and return it to another point.
It said an increasing number of people are taking up cycling with bikes making up more than 9 percent of morning peak traffic on Upper Queen Street.
The council and the Transport Agency are looking into the technology and funding for the bike share scheme. Findings are due to be released in September.
Bike Auckland chairperson Barb Cuthbert said adopting such a scheme would bring Auckland up to date with the rest of the world.
"It gives many...more people chances to get around the city by bike, without having to resort to have a car just for that very last leg," she said. "When they come in by train they can hop on a public bike and it just makes the whole of the city so much more accessible."
Ms Cuthbert said hiring bikes would not solve Auckland's road congestion but was a step in the right direction.
She said in order for the scheme to be successful, the council needs to make sure there are bikes in various locations throughout the city.
Ms Cuthbert said the council should also look at allowing people to cycle without helmets. "More people would ... use the public hire bikes if they don't have to wear helmets," she said.
