Escape The Reykjavík Rush-Hour By Bike

A new bike rental company has started its operations in Reykjavík today. Customers can book over the app which the company provides and order a bike for about 3.500 króna per month or get an annual subscription right away for 30.000 króna.

Anyone who has ever been stuck in rush-hour traffic in Reykjavík knows that it’s not a joke. The cooperation between Donkey Republic and Framúrskerandi, who operates the service in Iceland is strongly supported by the City of Reykjavík and seeks to reduce traffic jams and the environmental footprint.

How much?

With a monthly rental for 3,500 ISK or an annual subscription fee currently at 30,000 ISK, the service is considerably cheaper than what WOW Air used to offer when they were still operating. The distribution network is strong; bikes can be picked up at 41 stations all over the city.

This morning Major of Reykjavík Dagur B. Eggertsson, who is known to come by bike even when meeting some of the most powerful people in the world, tested the orange vehicles and showed his support for the start-up. The first week the bike rental is running, the bikes are available for free, which is a great way to follow up on his example and test out how it feels to show up to work in Dagur B.-Style.

One thing the City of Reykjavík though should however definitely consider is making bus rides free. Bikes are certainly a great idea, but they won’t reduce the car traffic to a reasonable amount. Especially in the midst of winter, rush-hour will probably be as painful as ever.