Cairo
Bike Project, First Bike-Sharing Project
The Cairo governorate launched the
first-ever bike-sharing project, Cairo Bike, as part of Egypt’s preparations
ahead of the United Nations Conference of Parties on Climate Change (COP27)
held in the Egyptian city of Sharm El-Sheikh in November and consistent with
Egypt’s 2030 strategy.
The project aims to spread the culture
of cycling to enhance the concept of environment-friendly transportation
services. It also aims to support motor transport, reduce air pollutants and
carbon emissions, and improve traffic.
The Cairo Bike project is the result of
a partnership between the Cairo Governorate and development partners, with the
support of the UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat). It is funded by the
Swiss Drosos Foundation with technical support and supervision of the Institute
for Transport and Development Policy (ITDP).
The idea of the bike-sharing system
is based on the city having a vast network of points where bikes are available
for public use, and this system is managed by a mobile application or
through
the website.
On the app, you will find a map that directs you to
the nearest bike station. Once you arrive at the station, you will be able to
unlock the bike using the app on your phone. The cost of renting a bike is EGP 1 per hour, and
membership packages are also available.
After registering, users will receive a message within
48 hours to inform them of the location for obtaining a permanent membership
card for Cairo Bike.
Membership card costs EGP 100 and will offer an EGP 20
credit that can be recovered in case of cancellation. Users can recharge the card through information
offices or recharge centers located at the bicycle stations.
Members can swipe the card on the prepaid machine to
rent the bike and return them at any drop-off station.
The Cairo Bike system is operated by an Egyptian
company and a Danish company, Donkey Republic, which operates a network of over
16,000 bikes in 70 cities worldwide.
First Phase:
The first
phase of Cairo Bike was inaugurated on Thursday, October 20, 2022, by Prime Minister
Mostafa Madbouli, Minister of Housing Assem El-Gazzar, Cairo Governor Khaled
Abdel-Aal, and a number of foreign ambassadors and development partners.
It includes 250
bicycles at 25 different stations in various parts of Downtown and neighboring
areas, including Abdel Moneim Riyad, Tahrir, El-Falky, Mohammad Farid, and
Abdel Khaliq Tharwat street.
Stations are
placed at strategic points such as popular hangouts and metro and bus stations.
All bikes are fitted with a GPS tracker to ensure optimum management and
security. The project
designates two-kilometer bicycle lanes to ensure the safety of users.
Second Phase:
The number of
bikes in the second phase of the project, which will be launched in the coming
months, will increase to 500 located at 45 stations in Downtown, Garden City,
and Zamalek.
