Nishinomiya City’s share cycle program began trial operations in 2019.
It seems to have started with 7 locations when the trial began in 2019, and as of April 1, 2022, it has expanded to around 41 locations.
（Thanks to Akage no Yuu for the information!)
目次
Share Cycle is a new transportation service where users can rent bicycles from multiple cycle ports set up around town (unmanned bicycle rental and return stations), then return them to whichever cycle port is convenient after use.
Unlike traditional rental bicycles, the advantage is that you don’t have to return the bicycle to the same place where you rented it.
For example, you can use it flexibly like this: rent a bicycle at the cycle port at Hanshin Nishinomiya Station → ride to your destination in the city → then return the bicycle at Hankyu Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station → continue by train.
The locations of cycle ports in Nishinomiya City are shown on the map below (as of April 1, 2022).
Within Nishinomiya City, they appear to be installed mostly in areas south of the Hankyu Kobe Main Line.
Nishitsu also went to see some actual cycle ports↓
This is the cycle port at Nishinomiya City Central Gymnasium. There are 5 racks, and 1 bicycle was out and about.
This is the cycle port at UR Hama-Koshien Nagisa-machi. There are 5 racks, and amazingly, 3 bicycles were out and about.
Every cycle port had a noticeable sign, so they were easy to spot even from a distance.
You use it by registering as a member with the HELLO CYCLING system.
Apparently, all of the bicycles are electric-assist bikes!
That’s helpful when you’re carrying shopping bags and moving around.
They make hills a breeze, too.
※Bicycles equipped with a charging function at cycle ports can be charged at compatible cycle ports.
The fee is 330 yen for the first hour. A maximum fee is also available.
The Share Cycle fees are:
130 yen for the first 30 minutes after starting use, then 100 yen / 15 minutes thereafter
Maximum of 1,800 yen for 12 hours
※Fees were revised as of April 1, 2022. Usage fees may be revised again in the future.
That’s how it works.
So the first hour costs 330 yen, and after that you can use it for 400 yen per hour.
It also looks like there is a maximum fee set in 12-hour units, which is reassuring.
（Added 4/20）A Round Trip from Hanshin Nishinomiya to Kitayama Reservoir Is Possible
This information comes from Nishitsu reader HORNETWORK!
I often rent one around Hanshin Nishinomiya Station.
With a full charge, I somehow managed a round trip from Hanshin Nishinomiya to Kitayama Reservoir.
That said, I can’t exactly say all of the bikes are in great maintenance condition, so take this just as a reference.
Also, reservations and return procedures are all done on your smartphone, so be careful not to run out of battery.
If you’re going all the way to Kitayama Reservoir, there must be quite a few ups and downs, so it’s impressive that a round trip is possible.
Some people might hear this and decide to try going there.
Final Thoughts
Currently, Nishinomiya City appears to be conducting a “usage trend survey” together with OpenStreet Inc.
to verify the effectiveness and other aspects of Share Cycle.
The more places there are to rent and return bicycles, the more convenient it becomes, so we’re looking forward to seeing how it develops.
For details about Share Cycle and the usage trend survey, please see
here（Information on the Nishinomiya City Share Cycle Usage Trend Survey）.
Akage no Yuu, thank you very much for the information!!
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