27.03.2012 / World Bulletin
Borrow & ride
If you’ve been to London recently, you probably have noticed that something very exciting is going on – a huge revolution on two wheels. And an authentic cultural revolution as well, since more and more people are choosing the bicycle as their mode of transportation in the city.
Ever since Times’ “Cities for Cycling” campaign, a lot has ben done to raise awareness on the advantages and the risks of urban cycling. Up to the point that cycling safety, along with urban transportation, has become one of the main issues in the London mayoral campaign – given that London’s bike sharing scheme has been one of the greatest achievements of outgoing mayor Boris Johnson (currently standing for re-election).
London’s Bicycle Library is one of the coolest and most innovative projects in town for spreading the bicycle culture. Basically, it’s a sort of contemporary mobile library - not a mule-drawn wagon carrying wooden boxes of books, but a double-decker bus carrying bicycles (and books about cycling, as well).
There are seven different types of bycicles – folding, minivelo, fixed gear sigle speed, ladies coaster, mens coaster, electric and cargo – that can be borrowed just like books at a public library (although with a small deposit, which can be refunded as soon as the user wishes it to be).
The “librarians” are more than happy to help all users find their ideal bike (offering a “bicycle matchmaking service”!) and to teach them how to ride it.
The library also offers a “Bycicle Ambulance” service for secure parking, servicing and customising, and a GPS tracking device located on bus – so wherever they travel you’ll be able to find them.
The Bicycle Library’s headquarter is located inside Netil Market, in London Fields. As you would in a proper library, you’ll need get your Bicycle Library Card first!
Links
http://www.fastcoexist.com/1679459/want-a-new-bike-check-one-out-from-the-library
