Chinese bikes spreading in UK despite vandalism

A Chinese company offering bicycle sharing services in a number of British cities has made changes in response to vandalism.

Mobike dockless bicycles are parked on the pavement near Holborn viaduct on December 8, 2018 in London, England. [File Photo: VCG]

Mobike, whose distinctive silver and orange brand is an increasingly familiar sight in the UK, has urged people to 'treat bikes respectfully' after a number were found dumped in canals in Manchester.

They've also increased the basic rate for hiring the bikes from 50p per half an hour to 69p.

Despite the problems of vandalism, Chinese bike sharing services in the UK continue to grow at a rapid pace.

That's partly because riders tend to prefer the flexible nature of the hiring system as opposed to the rigid docking stations used by local authority schemes.

Ofo dockless bicycles lay fallen over on a street close by Fenchurch Street station on December 4, 2018 in London, England. [File Photo: VCG]

Ofo alone has revealed plans to increase its fleet in London from 1,250 at present to over 150,000 in the future.

The services are also being launched in a growing number of British cities, which is starting to ease pressure on local public transport systems.

Responding to the arrival of Ofo in Sheffield, a local councillor said:

"I am delighted with the impact Ofo is having."