Romania’s Cluj-Napoca has a new bike sharing system starting this week. The network, which comprises a total of 42 self-service bicycle docking stations, was inaugurated on Tuesday, November 17.

Only 29 of the 42 stations are currently functional, which provide 470 bicycles. The rest of the stations are to be opened in the coming period, bringing the total number of bicycles to 540.

“We are now offering the first 470 bikes that can be rented for free, as we aim to encourage the usage of this environmentally friendly means of transport because we are a city with many cars. The bikes can also be used on the lines dedicated to public transportation, making the routes much safer,” said Emil Boc, the mayor of Cluj-Napoca.

The bikes can be rented based on cards which those interested can get from the Citizens Information Centre or the district municipalities with their ID card.

The project has a total value of some RON 14.42 million (EUR 3.2 million), 98% of which represents non-refundable money, according to a statement of the Cluj-Napoca City Hall.

The European project involves the development of 50 self-service bicycle docking stations. 42 of them are located in Cluj-Napoca, 4 are to be placed in Floresti commune, and 3 will be found in Apahida commune.

Another alternative to taxis: The first car sharing service in Romania, launched in Cluj

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: primariaclujnapoca.ro)