LIVING

He said that he had not been involved in any court process, but had sought legal advice. “When we first heard about Bicing, a group of rental companies spoke to a lawyer in order to influence the system and process, and voice our concerns. We were trying to make a system that wasn’t for tourists, and from my understanding it would be difficult for a tourist to gain access to.”

Bicing spokesman Ramon Ferreiro declined to comment on whether there was a court case pending, but stressed that Bicing is not designed for tourists, and is difficult for tourists to access.

In fact, he said, problems have been minimal and the transport authority was very pleased and “a little surprised” with the scheme’s progress so far, but that more work is still needed. “We’re going to make some modifications—that’s not to say that there are problems: we’ve only been going for four months and it’s always necessary to tweak the system.”

Ferreiro says that there had been less incidents than anticipated. “There have been minor bumps and some people have fallen off, but there have been no incidents requiring hospitalisation. There have also been very few thefts: they stole 10 bikes, but we found three of them, and very few have been vandalised more seriously than a little graffiti. I think that the story is the other way round: that there has been so little vandalism, and that the civic spirit in Barcelona has been so strong.” Although Ferreiro says that Bicing plans to double the size of the network by the end of the year, it’s already clear that far more bikes are needed, as many are showing wear and tear from being in almost constant use; problems with brakes, gears and seats are particularly familiar to regular users.

Some cycling groups have been welcoming Bicing and its users with open arms. The Bicicleta Club de Catalunya (BACC) has even started courses for novice Bicing cyclists, pairing them up with more experienced cyclists for short courses at Arc de Triomf. “We’re aiming to provide support,” said BACC spokeswoman Diana Gonzales. “The best thing we can do is say ‘Welcome!’ The more cyclists there are, the safer it is for us: it helps build a constant presence in bike lanes. We have to teach and help them.”

Others are more cynical. Albert García, of advocacy group Coordinadora Catalana d’Usuaris de la Bicicleta (CCUB), said, “Every day cyclists are faced with more limited space on the streets, yet while they are putting so many restrictions onto cyclists they are implementing this photogenic scheme to use for propaganda. We’re not against Bicing, but they should have put the infrastructure in first, then the bicycles.” He added that the city was in desperate need of more and safer cycle paths and improved parking facilities.