The user would find a bike, punch in an access code that would communicate back to the Sobi servers and unlock the bike. The user rides it and then can leave it locked up to a standard bicycle rack, ready for the next lucky user.

Bike sharing systems typically use sturdy bikes anchored to hub station racks, but the SoBi lock box system could simplify sharing logistics: The lock box clamps onto a bicycle’s seat tube and fits over the back wheel, which means all kinds of bikes could be outfitted, theoretically allowing a range of rides to choose from.

And the cost is attractive, too, compared to the larger systems already in place in some European and American cities: The SoBi lock box would cost around $500, so the per-bike cost would be greatly reduced. Paris’ Vélib’ bike-sharing system costs around $3,500 per bike when startup and maintenance costs are considered, and the NYTimes says 80% of Vélib’ initial stock of bikes have been vandalized or stolen:

The heavy, sandy-bronze Vélib’ bicycles are seen as an accoutrement of the “bobos,” or “bourgeois-bohèmes,” the trendy urban middle class, and they stir resentment and covetousness. They are often being vandalized in a socially divided Paris by resentful, angry or anarchic youth, the police and sociologists say. — NYTimes, 10/31/09

So if you can clamp a SoBi lockbox on an 50 LB Free Spirit from JC Pennny, that could remove some of the “bobo” factor and keep costs down (and as someone who occasionally uses that particular model of bike when my regular bike is out of commission, I’ll be the first to say no one in their right mind would steal it. Sweet fixies are another matter.)

SoBi, (the name comes from “Social Biking”) will start this small test — about 20 bicycles — in the fall. This could bode well bike-share programs.

A report released by the DOT in the spring of last year includes comprehensive studies and specific recommendations for a plan to phase in up to 50,000 bicycles that would be available to anyone who wished to use them in exchange for a nominal fee.

CBS recently reported that a New York bike-share program may be coming soon, but they didn’t say when. The DOT also confirmed today that there is no new information, yet said that they would keep the public informed.

“What is very obvious is that there is a lot of excitement about bike share around the world and a lot of growing excitement in this country,” said Carolyn Samponaro, director of Bicycle Advocacy for Transportation Alternatives, a New York-based group.

Bike share programs have taken off in recent years, after extremely successful programs in cities throughout the world. The Velib’ in Paris, France (20,600 bikes), and Bicing Barcelona in Spain (6,000 bikes) have revolutionized the way city planners think about biking as valid public transportation alternatives.

U.S. cities, such as Denver, Minneapolis, and Washington D.C., have recently launched programs.

Dense populations, short distances between destinations, and a population where 50 percent live within 5 miles of their place of work, makes New York an ideal location for a robust bike-share program.

The concept of bike-share is to make bicycles available to anyone who needs one, when, and where they need it. There is no need to own a bike, nor worry about maintenance, theft, or where to lock it up.

The way it works is that the city would purchase a bike fleet, install thousands of matching racks, and essentially rent the bike out for as little as a dollar per half hour with a membership card. After reaching a destination, the idea is that you would just lock it up at a new rack and head to work or shopping, worry free.

Biking frequency in New York has increased significantly since 2007, alongside a substantial increase in designated bike lanes on city roads over the last two years. According to the DOT, the number of bicyclers increased 35 percent in 2008, and 26 percent in 2009.

The mayor has committed to installing 1,800 miles of designated bike lanes throughout the five boroughs by 2030. To kick start the plan, 200 miles of bike lanes were already installed in 2008, and 2009. An additional 50 miles are committed for each year after that.

Lower Manhattan, downtown Brooklyn, and western Queens saw most of the bike route installations. The goal is to create a robust network of connected bike routes, starting with the most densely populated areas first.

A large number of bicyclists would completely change the way bicyclists currently interact with vehicles, calming traffic and enhancing safety. The city’s recently installed bike lanes have already significantly reduced bicycle accidents, said Samponaro.

“People are mostly law abiding because everybody is riding and it is very common and it is not reckless and dangerous to get on a bike, so you don’t have a kind of survival of the fittest attitude when you are riding,” described Samponaro.

This fall, a local entrepreneur is planning to launch a small bike-share pilot program to test a novel social networking technology that would allow for either a phone app or a telephone call to locate, as well as unlock an available bike for use. His idea seeks to solve what he sees as New York City’s biggest challenge, the need for large amounts of public space for specialized racks.

European style bike-share programs require 40 percent more spots than bikes so as to accommodate irregular bike movement throughout the city. SoBi’s innovative lock box affixes directly onto the bike and allows riders to leave the bike anywhere.

“It is a bike-share system that is integrated into the existing bike culture. Not a separate thing,” said Rzepecki.

Locking your bicycle to a tree is harmful to the tree…and could cost you a $1,000 fine!

Chains and locks can damage the protective bark and the cambium (inner skin) layer of a tree. The cambium layer transports sap, the lifeblood of trees, and is the most delicate part of a tree.

Chains and locks can also leave a permanent scar on the trunk and leave an opening for parasites and fungus.

Be tree-friendly and don’t lock your bike to one!

Thanks from Bikes NYC

Join Bike New York on Sunday, August 22, for an incredible ride through this beautiful area, complete with a crossing of the world’s longest pedestrian bridge, the Walkway over the Hudson.

This ride, new for 2010, is centered on the wildly successful Walkway over the Hudson, offering options for beginning riders up to experienced century 100-milers looking to explore the far reaches of the Hudson Valley. With routes passing Hyde Park and Rhinebeck mansions, county parklands, and frequent views of the majestic river, and Metro-North trains serving the event, the ride is sure to become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. At the post-ride festival at Dutchess Community College, open to the public, a mountain bike stunt show will draw crowds as well.

Sun., Aug. 22, 2010
Start/Finish: Poughkeepsie, NY

Sign up now to be part of it! http://www.bikenewyork.org/rides/dhv/register.html

• Five routes: 18, 30, 44, 62 (metric century), and 100 miles (century)
• Beautiful Hudson River crossings
• Well-stocked rest areas, full SAG support
• Free T-shirt

To be sure you’re in on the fun of next year’s ride on May 1, mark February 1, 2011, as the date to sign up.

Taking place the first Sunday in May each year, the adventure starts in Lower Manhattan. The ride heads north through the heart of Manhattan to Central Park and continues on to historic Harlem and the Bronx, returning south along the East River on the FDR Drive. From there it crosses into Queens and then Brooklyn, where cyclists take over the highway before making the thrilling climb up–and down–the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to Staten Island. The route is 42 miles, mostly flat except for the bridges.

The ride lands on Staten Island at a fun outdoor Festival, including bike demos, giveaways, games, a wonderful food concession, product samples, stretching, massage, a photo booth, and official merchandise on sale. Leave plenty of time to check out the exhibitors and activities and then visit the Fort Wadsworth Overlook for a scenic photo before continuing the final three miles to the ferry.