Bangkok City Hall launched its bicycle rental project to the public over the weekend – the first step in its plan encourage the use of pedal power in the city.
Deputy Bangkok governor Teerachon Manomaiphibul said the initial branches of the bike rental project are at Chamchuri Square and the Bangkok Bank Siam Square. Both rental stations only have eight bicycles at the moment.
Mr. Teerachon said that the project will eventually expand to 50 bike rental stations with a fleet of 500 bikes by February 2013.
Bike rental fees are paid via electronic smart cards. There is a THB320 membership fee inclusive of a THB220 card fee and THB100 for the use of the bikes. Registered bike users will enjoy a TB50,000 insurance package, as well as one year of medical treatment, the Bangkok Post reported.
