Koreans joyful over bicycle sharing

In Chongwan, Korea’s eco-capital, 2,500 people have signed up as members of the city’s first ever bicycle sharing scheme, which opened in October.

Members of the NUBIJA scheme can use any of the 430 bicycles, placed at 20 locations around the city centre, free for up to an hour, whilst one day’s hire costs around $1.50.

Over 8,000 rentals have already been recorded.

According to NUBIJA’s policy aide, Ha Seung-woo, if participation continues at current levels then the scheme is likely to grow.

The NUBIJA bikes are designed for use by anyone – with comfortable saddle, easy access design, and seven shift gears.

Korea’s capital, Daejeon city, also launched a bicycle sharing scheme in October, and plans are afoot to increase the number of bicycles available in the capital to 10,000.

The best thing about the NUBIJA scheme – aside from its eco-credentials – has to be its name. NUBIJA, according to the website, stands for ‘Nearby Useful Bike, Interesting Joyful Attraction’.