oBikes taken off the streets after being abandoned everywhere
Less than a year after hitting Melbourne streets, the controversial oBike is no more.
The company is closing down in Victoria, after complaints about bikes being abandoned all over the city.
The unassuming two-wheeler has locals up in arms, after people began leaving them in places they weren’t supposed to be.
“Just for the environment, dumping them in places that they shouldn’t go is pretty frustrating,” one person said.
After dozens of bikes were flung into trees, dumped on pavements and even thrown into the Yarra River, the oBike is over in Melbourne.
Mayor Sally Capp said she had not been contacted by oBikes to explain why they were pulling out of the Melbourne market.
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The company was the first of its kind in Victoria – a bike-hire business without a dock.
But the flexible system saw many people flouting the rules, and ultimately the threat of expensive fines forced the company to close.
Even after oBikes closes down its Melbourne operation the company could still incur hefty fines.
The Environmental Protection Authority will impose a fee for any bike left discarded on Melbourne streets.
“I think it’s really good, I’ll be really glad to see them go,” one local said.
It doesn’t mean a bike hire system is completely out of the question, however.
The City of Melbourne is already negotiating with other cycling hire companies to see what other options are available.
