Bike-sharing to hit Malta next month

Using a similar concept to that of Car2Go, bike-sharing network Nextbike has announced that it will start operations by the end of November.

Nextbike will be installing 53 bike stations in 10 localities, namely St. Julian's, Sliema, Valletta, Pembroke, San Gwann, Swieqi, Ta' Xbiex, Msida, the St Paul's Bay area, as well as around Mater Dei and University.

A free mobile app will allow users to find the nearest station and the number of available bikes. Users will be able to 'borrow' a bike for a short amount of time, charged for 30 minute blocks, where they can pick up the bike from one point, cycle to their destination, and drop it off there.

There will also be a yearly membership option for unlimited rides.

The scheme hopes to ease the situation of traffic congestion. Since nextbike was launched in Germany in 2004, it has become a leading manufacturer and operator in the booming market for sustainable urban travel.

Currently, the company has over 30,000 bikes in service and is present in 18 countries on four continents.

The video found on Nextbike's official Youtube channel explains how the company operates in Germany and other countries alike.

To stay up-to-date on the latest developments in Malta, one can like Nextbike Malta's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/nextbike.mt/ or view the event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/919424348163394/