Launched in August, “Seaside Bike” is a joint trial bike rental project between Fukuoka City and Softbank Hawks Marketing Co. Ltd. 100 bikes were made available to rent from five rental stations around Fukuoka’s Chuo-ward and Sawara-ward including inside the Sawara Ward Office, at the North Bike Parking at Nishijin, at Hawks Town, at Soft Research Park in Momochihama and at Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel. During the trial, a total of 274 people rented bikes– a result that Fukuoka City is very satisfied with. From surveys conducted with 22 users, it was found that over 50% used the service for sightseeing, and only one person rented the bike for daily commute. Due to the success of the trial, the “Seaside Bike” rental service will continue, with planned improvements. You can currently rent a bicycle using credit card only. The first hour of rental charge is ¥200, and each additional hour ¥100. No membership or reservation required. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun 10/24. Official HP: http://fukuoka.minaport.jp/?lang=en
