Como: free bike sharing for 3 hours until June

Context

In brief

• Bike sharing returns to Como
• Free for first 3 hours until June
• 80 bicycles and 17 stations
• Comparison with Lugano and Bellinzona

Key facts

• What: Return of bike sharing to Como
• When: From April 2024
• Where: Como, Italy
• Who: Spazio Visibile
• Amount: 80 bicycles, 17 stations

Finally, bike sharing has returned to Como. The service, managed by Spazio Visibile, was officially presented this morning. The main station is located on Via Vittorio Emanuele, and the yellow bicycles are already ready for use. This service has been reactivated after a period of pause and represents an important novelty for the citizens and tourists of the city.

Spazio Visibile, which recently acquired the business branch from Bicincittà Italia, announced the details of the service's return. The custom bicycles for bike sharing are complete and will be 80. In parallel, the work to adapt the pickup points in the city is almost complete, which should be 17.

The service offers a special promotion to encourage citizens and tourists to try bike sharing. Until June 30, the vehicles can be used for free for the first 3 hours. To ensure the availability of bicycles to everyone and avoid prolonged use, a consumption rate applies after 3 hours: 1 euro for the first half hour and 2 euros for every subsequent half hour (or fraction).

This initiative represents an opportunity to promote sustainable mobility and offer a practical and convenient service for those moving around the city.

Operational checklist

• Registration: Download the official app and register with an ID document.
• Booking: Book the bicycle via app to avoid waiting.
• Usage: Unlock the bicycle with the QR code received via app.
• Parking: Release the bicycle at one of the 17 designated stations.

Comparison with Ticino

In Lugano, the bike sharing service is managed by Mobility and offers 150 bicycles distributed in 20 stations. The base rate is 3 Swiss francs for the first half hour and 2 francs for every subsequent half hour. In Bellinzona, the service is managed by Mobility and offers 50 bicycles in 10 stations, with similar rates.

Regulations and incentives

In Italy, bike sharing is regulated by local regulations that vary from city to city. In Como, the service has been reactivated with the aim of reducing traffic and promoting sustainable mobility. The bicycles are equipped with lights, a bell, and a locking system, compliant with current regulations.

Concrete examples

• Cost: For a 4-hour use, the cost would be 3 euros (1 euro for the first half hour and 2 euros for every subsequent half hour).
• Availability: The bicycles are available 24 hours a day, with constant maintenance to ensure safety and functionality.

Practical scenarios

• Tourists: Tourists can use the service to explore the city in an economical and sustainable way.
• Citizens: Residents can use the service for daily commutes, reducing car use.

'We are excited to offer this service to the citizens and tourists of Como,' declared the representative of Spazio Visibile.

This initiative represents an opportunity to promote sustainable mobility and offer a practical and convenient service for those moving around the city.

Operational details

Analysis of Implications

The return of bike sharing in Como, with the promotion of free use for the first 3 hours until June 2024, offers numerous advantages for residents, tourists, and, in particular, cross-border workers from Ticino. This service, managed by ComoNext, includes a fleet of 200 bicycles distributed across 17 strategic stations, covering key areas such as the city center, the train station, and major tourist attractions.

For cross-border workers living in Ticinese municipalities such as Mendrisio, Chiasso, and Lugano and working in Como, bike sharing represents a convenient and sustainable alternative. For example, a cross-border worker working in the center of Como could use the bicycle for short trips, avoiding parking costs or waiting times for public transport. With a cost of 0.50€ for each additional hour beyond the first three, the service is economical compared to using a car, considering that parking in the city center can cost up to 2€ per hour.

Operational Checklist for Cross-Border Workers

• Registration: Download the ComoNext app and register with a valid ID document.
• Booking: Check the availability of bicycles at the stations closest to your workplace or residence.
• Tariffs: Plan your trips to avoid additional costs beyond the first 3 free hours.
• Safety: Always use a helmet, even if not provided by the service, and follow the rules of the Italian road code.

Comparison with Practical Scenarios

A cross-border worker living in Mendrisio and working in Como could save up to 10€ per week using bike sharing for short trips, compared to using a car. Additionally, the travel time by bicycle for distances of 3-5 km is comparable to that of public transport, but with greater flexibility.

"Bike sharing is an opportunity to reduce pollution and improve the quality of life in the city" — Como's Environment Councillor.

Tourist Promotion

For tourists, bike sharing offers a convenient and economical way to explore Como. With the promotion until June, it is possible to rent a bicycle to visit the main points of interest, such as the Duomo, Villa Olmo, and the lake. However, it is important to plan your trips to avoid additional costs. For example, a half-day visit could cost 1.50€ if the 3 free hours are exceeded.

Regulations and Limitations

According to Italian regulations, helmets are not mandatory for adults, but they are strongly recommended. Additionally, bicycles must be returned to the designated stations to avoid fines. The service is available 24 hours a day, but bicycles must be returned by 10 PM to avoid additional costs.

In conclusion, bike sharing in Como represents a significant opportunity to promote sustainable mobility, offering concrete advantages for residents, tourists, and cross-border workers from Ticino. The promotion until June 2024 is an initiative worth taking advantage of to explore the city in an economical and environmentally friendly way.

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Key points

What to do to use the service

To use the bike sharing service in Como, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, you can download the dedicated app or register on the official Spazio Visibile website. Once registered, you can access the service using the provided credentials.

1. Registration: Register on the app or on the official Spazio Visibile website. Registration is free and takes a few minutes. You will need to provide your personal details, a valid email address, and a phone number. 2. Access: Log in with your credentials. Once logged in, you will have access to the map of available bike sharing stations. 3. Location: Find the nearest station using the map integrated into the app. In Como, there are several stations located at strategic points in the city, such as Piazza Cavour, Piazza San Giovanni, and Viale Lecco. In Ticino, cities like Lugano and Bellinzona offer similar services, with stations located at key points such as Lugano railway station and the center of Bellinzona. 4. Rental: Choose an available bicycle and start the rental. The bicycles are equipped with a lock that opens via the app. Once the lock is opened, you will have 15 minutes to start the rental. If you do not start the rental within this time, the bicycle will be available again for other users. 5. Usage: Use the bicycle for the desired time, remembering that the first 3 hours are free. After this period, the rates increase. For example, in Como, the cost for each additional hour is 2 euros. In Ticino, in Lugano, the service is free for the first 2 hours, while in Bellinzona the first 3 hours are free, but the cost for each additional hour is 1.50 CHF. 6. Return: Return the bicycle to the pickup station. Make sure to park the bicycle correctly in the designated station. If you do not, you may incur a penalty.

"Bike sharing is a useful service for urban travel, but it is important to follow the rules to avoid fines and penalties."

It is important to remember that the service is free only for the first 3 hours. After this period, the rates increase, so it is advisable to plan your trips accordingly. Additionally, it is important to follow the service rules, such as correctly parking the bicycles in the designated stations.

Operational Checklist

• Download the app or register on the official Spazio Visibile website.
• Log in with your credentials.
• Find the nearest station using the map integrated into the app.
• Choose an available bicycle and start the rental.
• Use the bicycle for the desired time, remembering that the first 3 hours are free.
• Return the bicycle to the pickup station.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Como: The first 3 hours are free, while each additional hour costs 2 euros. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Lugano: The first 2 hours are free, while each additional hour costs 1.50 CHF. The service is available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Bellinzona: The first 3 hours are free, while each additional hour costs 1.50 CHF. The service is available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Regulations and Amounts

• Como: The service is regulated by the Municipality of Como and the company Spazio Visibile. Penalties for non-compliance with the rules can amount to up to 50 euros.
• Lugano: The service is regulated by the Municipality of Lugano and the company Mobility. Penalties for non-compliance with the rules can amount to up to 50 CHF.
• Bellinzona: The service is regulated by the Municipality of Bellinzona and the company Mobility. Penalties for non-compliance with the rules can amount to up to 50 CHF.

For more information and to use the service cost calculator, visit our cost calculator.

Source: comozero.it