The regional city bike service is a substantial undertaking that aims to significantly renew the city bike service. The goal is to introduce a service in 2026 that would make it possible for customers to use city bikes across municipal borders. During spring 2024, active discussions will be conducted with the municipalities and their residents on their expectations and wishes regarding the service.
A total of 11 municipalities will take part in various needs assessments: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Siuntio, Kirkkonummi, Sipoo, Kerava, Tuusula, Nurmijärvi and Hyvinkää. The municipalities are not yet expected to commit to the procurement, but at this point of the process the focus lies on examining the operating conditions, costs, potential and characteristics of the service. The municipalities will make a separate decision on whether to take part in the tendering process for the city bike service this summer and in early fall 2024. After this, the tendering process will begin later in the fall of 2024.
During the needs assessments that take place this spring, the needs and views of city bike users will also be examined on the basis of results and feedback from previous customer surveys. In addition to the above-mentioned, a number of user interviews will be conducted with the purpose of gathering ideas from the users of city bikes and from those interested in the service. Both the needs assessments and the user interviews will be taken into consideration when selecting a new bike model and user interface.
The city bikes are a practical and healthy way to get around. They improve the accessability of public transport, encourage cycling and offer an affordable and sustainable means of transport. It is therefore not surprising that the bikes have become a highly popular and well-liked service in the Helsinki region. The new regional city bike service will contribute to the success of the city bikes by enabling more municipalities to become part of the city bike network.