Background

The users of bike sharing could not use the service with children because there was no possibility of ad hoc bikes or bike seats.

Goal

The integrated bike sharing service was created to allow the use of this transport mode by families with children. The aim is also to teach children good transport habits.

Measure

The bike sharing BikeMi in Milan, powered by the Municipality and the public transport company, with the initiative Junior BikeMi provides small bikes that enables children to ride with their parents.[1]

With just one subscription, up to three children's bikes can be taken out at the same time, in addition to one bike per adult. The Junior BikeMi is allowed to children aged between 6 and 10 years and weighing less than 40 kg and the helmet is mandatory (not provided in the service). The "junior" stations are strategically located close to the parks and green areas of the city to ensure maximum safety for children.

Outcome

The service started with an experimental phase during weekends in the autumn of 2015 and then became fully operational from April 2016 with 11 stations and 60 mini-bikes available to all children aged between 6 and 10 years.[2]

Sources:

[1] Flyer (IT)
https://www.bikemi.com/media/224371/volantino-jb-low.pdf

[2] News (IT) 
https://www.milanoweekend.it/articoli/junior-bikemi/
https://www.lifegate.it/bike-sharing-integrato-junior-bikemi