Zaragoza, the capital of the Aragon region in Spain, is undergoing a significant transformation in its urban mobility landscape. The city is launching a new public bike-sharing system called “Bizi” that is fully electric and designed to cover the entire city. This initiative is a key component of Zaragoza’s broader strategy to promote sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the quality of life for its residents.
Bizi: The New Era of Bike Sharing in Zaragoza
The Bizi system is a modern, all-electric bike-sharing program that replaces the previous system which was established in 2008. This upgrade is not just a simple replacement; it’s a complete overhaul designed to meet the demands of a growing city and to encourage a shift towards more sustainable modes of transportation.
Key Features of the Bizi System
- Fully Electric Fleet: The Bizi system features 2,500 electric bikes, offering a convenient and effortless way to travel around the city. E-bikes have proven to increase ridership in other cities by making cycling easier and more accessible to a wider range of people.
- Extensive Network of Stations: There will be 276 stations across the city, 207 of which will be equipped with in-dock charging capabilities. This ensures that the bikes are always ready for use and eliminates the need for operational vans to swap batteries, which further reduces the program’s environmental footprint.
- Citywide Coverage: The new Bizi system is designed to reach all districts of Zaragoza, making it a truly citywide transportation solution.
- User-Friendly Mobile App: The Bizi system will feature a brand new mobile application that allows users to easily locate, unlock, and manage their rides. The app integrates cutting-edge technology to streamline the user experience.
- Integration with MaaS Platform: The Bizi system is integrated with the ZUM app, Zaragoza’s Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform. This allows users to plan, book, and pay for their trips using various modes of transport, including the Bizi bikes.
Why Electric Bikes?
The decision to go fully electric is a strategic one, driven by the global surge in e-bike adoption. Electric bikes offer several advantages:
- Increased Accessibility: E-bikes make cycling easier for people of all fitness levels, encouraging more people to choose bikes over cars.
- Faster Travel: The electric assist helps riders travel faster and more efficiently, making longer trips more manageable.
- Reduced Effort: E-bikes require less physical exertion, making them suitable for everyday commuting and leisure rides.
- Environmental Benefits: By replacing car trips with e-bike rides, the city can reduce its carbon footprint and air pollution.
The Impact of E-bikes in Other Cities
Cities with expanded e-bike fleets have experienced dramatic increases in ridership. In Barcelona, 72% of Bicing trips are made with e-bikes, compared to 28% with traditional pedal bikes. Similarly, in Madrid, e-bike rides have increased by 95% since the city introduced a fully electric fleet.
Implementation and Timeline
The first 1,000 Bizi e-bikes and 100 stations are going live this month, with the goal of reaching all districts of Zaragoza by the end of the year. This phased approach allows for a smooth rollout and ensures that the system is fully functional and optimized as it expands.
Zaragoza’s Commitment to Sustainable Mobility
The Bizi bike-sharing program is just one aspect of Zaragoza’s comprehensive approach to sustainable mobility. The city aims to become a leading example of a smart city with a low-carbon footprint transportation system by 2030.
Key Elements of Zaragoza’s Sustainable Mobility Plan
- Electrification of Public Transport: Zaragoza is investing heavily in electric buses and trams. The city has recently acquired 68 electric buses, with plans to purchase an additional 40. They are also expanding their tram network.
- Promotion of Non-Motorized Transport: The city is prioritizing walking and cycling by implementing measures such as limiting car speeds on certain streets and expanding bike lanes.
- Urban Mobility Redistribution: Zaragoza aims to have 50% of commutes achieved by walking or cycling, 25% by public transport, and 25% by car.
- Integration of Mobility Services: The city has launched the ZUM app, a MaaS platform that integrates various modes of transport and allows users to plan, book, and pay for their journeys in one place.
Funding and Partnerships
The implementation of the Bizi system is made possible through a multi-million euro contract awarded to Lyft Urban Solutions (formerly known as PBSC) and Serveo. Lyft Urban Solutions provides the hardware and software, while Serveo is responsible for operations. Additionally, Zaragoza has received funding from the Next Generation EU Fund, with €6.5 million specifically allocated to the Bizi scheme.
The Broader Context
Zaragoza is not alone in its pursuit of sustainable mobility. Spain has recently announced a €40 million investment to help residents and businesses buy e-bikes and to expand public bicycle share systems. This national initiative reflects the growing recognition of the importance of cycling in creating more livable and environmentally friendly cities.
Benefits of the New Bizi System
The Bizi system is expected to bring numerous benefits to Zaragoza:
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: By offering a convenient and attractive alternative to cars, the Bizi system will help reduce traffic on the city’s roads.
- Improved Air Quality: The increased use of electric bikes will reduce emissions and contribute to cleaner air.
- Healthier Lifestyles: Cycling is a great way to stay active and healthy, and the Bizi system makes it easier for people to incorporate cycling into their daily routines.
- Enhanced User Experience: The new mobile app and charging stations provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience for riders.
- Economic Growth: The Bizi system can boost local businesses by improving accessibility and attracting more visitors to the city.
- Meeting Sustainability Goals: The program helps Zaragoza achieve its goals of reducing its carbon footprint and becoming a climate-neutral city.
Conclusion
The launch of the Bizi system marks a significant milestone in Zaragoza’s journey towards sustainable urban mobility. By embracing electric bike-sharing and investing in other green transportation initiatives, the city is setting a positive example for others to follow. As the new system rolls out across the city, it is expected to transform how people travel and contribute to a more vibrant, healthy, and environmentally friendly Zaragoza.
The Bizi system is not just about bikes; it’s about creating a better future for the city and its residents, making Zaragoza a leading example of sustainable urban development.
