However,
Geneva: self -service bikes cardboard:
ThoseActive mobility –
Self-service bikes are a hit in Geneva – Geneva: self -service bikes cardboard
The Vélopartage platform has more than 1760 bicycles for rent. However, compared to 270 at its launch. Moreover, And an extension in Greater Geneva is looming.
A cyclist on a self-service bicycle.
Magali Girardin
- The Vélopartage service now has 617 stations in the canton of Geneva.
- In 2024, nearly 39,000 users made 500,000 bicycle trips.
- Several institutions and private collaborates with this service.
- A cross -border extension of the system is planned with neighboring France.
What has two wheels, is orange and spins geneva: self -service bikes cardboard through the streets of Geneva? Similarly, Well played, these are indeed veloparting self-service bikes, managed by the Danish company Donkey Republic. Similarly, Deployed since 2020 throughout the canton, they now have 617 stations, against 149 at the start. In addition, As for the number of bikes. Meanwhile, today there are nearly 1760 two-wheelers for rent at the end of the lake, including 920 electric.
The phenomenon will not stop on such a good path. Therefore, since Donkey Republic plans to have another 180 electric models before the end of the year. For example, The authorities are studying a deployment on a Greater Geneva scale.
Before deciphering this phenomenon to growing success, some details are essential. Consequently, Even if the orange color of the Donkey Republic brand as well as its logo is omnipresent. Similarly, the rental service geneva: self -service bikes cardboard is called well veloparting. In addition, The authorities simply entrusted the operational management of the latter to the Danish company until 2027.
A difficult start, then success – Geneva: self -service bikes cardboard
After its launch in 2020, this system had experienced difficulties. However, In Our columnsthe manager of Donkey Republic for the Geneva region had entrusted that in 2022. the company had almost thrown the eponge, for lack of profitability.
Now it’s a full cardboard. Donkey Republic indicates that in 2024, 39,000 unique users were identified, for nearly 500,000 bicycle trips. “The dynamics are very clear: between 2020. 2024, the number of users increased by more than 1000%, and the number of subscribers of more than 970%,” says Giulia Zoli, spokesperson for Donkey Republic. Another figure makes you dizzy: last year, users have traveled 944,400 kilometers on the famous geneva: self -service bikes cardboard orange bikes. How to explain this reporta?
For the state, you have to see a change in mentality. “The service is part of a multimodality logic with public transport and individual vehicles. The data show that the majority of journeys are carried out on short. daily routes, proof that the bicycle is now integrated into local trips, “explains Marc-André Siegrist, spokesperson for the Department of Health and Mobility (DSM).
Varied partners
The commitment of private and public institutions has also helped. “The development of business subscriptions illustrates the commitment of Geneva companies. which encourage their employees to reduce the individual use of the car for their trips,” said the spokesperson. He reports that several municipalities also offer financial support for their inhabitants wishing to subscribe to Vélopartage.
In addition geneva: self -service bikes cardboard to the number of bikes available. the proportion of rental for each two-wheeler has also climbed, indicating that the service is increasingly popular among the population.
To surf this wave, combined offers have been offered to Geneva and Carougeois residents. Geneva public transport (TPG), for example, offer a subscription including access to Vélopartage. Nearly 1000 sesames of this kind were even offered by the fondation Modus One May.
Vélopartage has a bright future ahead of him … or almost. If the financial situation is not as perilous as in 2022, it is not in good shape either. “In 2024, we reached a financial balance in Geneva,” says Giulia Zoli. However. this remains fragile, because our model is marked by a high seasonality of income and maintenance and renewal costs of high bikes. ”
In this unstable market, collaborations with TPGs or other companies are therefore valuable.
Go beyond the border
Who are people using these orange bicycles? Contrary to what one might think, only 16% of them are tourists, choosing this means of transport to visit the city. Half of the users (50%) are rather inhabitants, who drive occasional material. Finally, there are 34% subscribers who have chosen this system regularly.
In the future, neighboring France and the Nyon district could also take advantage of this offer. “The Canton of Geneva. the Partners of Greater Geneva are preparing an extension of the system on a cross-border scale to promote the use of cycling, in combination with other means of transport, including Léman Express,” announces Marc-André Siegrist.
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