Manchester selected for Chinese bicycle share initiative
The biggest operator of public bicycle hire in China has selected Manchester to represent its smart scheme, which will be the first outside of Asia, despite being warned that the Irwell climate may not be suitable.
Mobike's head of global product, Richard Huang, said that the company was warned by everyone about Manchester's reputation for rain. However, he also said that he received feedback that Manchester firmly met the criteria regarding being open-minded when it comes to professional engagement.
The firm held initial talks with Manchester city council earlier this year when it sold officials on the idea that Mobike was an initiative that could benefit all concerned. Unlike a similar scheme in the capital, which has burned £60m in the pockets of taxpayers, Mobike won't cost the public a single penny.
Rob Raikes, representing the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign, called the idea “wonderful” and is hopeful that the council will be willing to spend to create a safer environment for cyclists. He added:
If Mobike's intention to work with Manchester extends to marketing services, it can tap into a stellar printing reputation and produce multiple promotional items, such as wide format printing and branded corporate gifts.
Mobike's head of global product, Richard Huang, said that the company was warned by everyone about Manchester's reputation for rain. However, he also said that he received feedback that Manchester firmly met the criteria regarding being open-minded when it comes to professional engagement.
The firm held initial talks with Manchester city council earlier this year when it sold officials on the idea that Mobike was an initiative that could benefit all concerned. Unlike a similar scheme in the capital, which has burned £60m in the pockets of taxpayers, Mobike won't cost the public a single penny.
Rob Raikes, representing the Greater Manchester Cycling Campaign, called the idea “wonderful” and is hopeful that the council will be willing to spend to create a safer environment for cyclists. He added:
“If you suddenly have a thousand inexperienced cyclists in the middle of Manchester there’s going to be one hulluva duty to make the city streets safer. People will be terrified. Hopefully this scheme will be a pump primer for making cycling infrastructure in the city much better.”
If Mobike's intention to work with Manchester extends to marketing services, it can tap into a stellar printing reputation and produce multiple promotional items, such as wide format printing and branded corporate gifts.