Mobikes lost in past six months

MOBIKE has lost 70 bikes to vandalism since its launch six months ago - this image captures the latest attempt to trash the hire cycles.

Six bikes were found upended in St Peter’s Square on Saturday morning by a passer-by. They were undamaged, but to date, 14 per cent of the scheme’s original stock has been damaged.

Last month Mobike removed all 1,000 of its bikes from the streets for an upgrade. They were reintroduced with redefined parking zones which meant they could be parked in just a 6km squared area. Last week that zone was extended to cover 20km squared, including more of Salford, and extra bikes are being brought into service.

Steve Pyer, Mobike’s UK boss, said the redefined parking zones had been in part to tackle vandalism - but insisted vandalism was now on the decline, despite the loss of 70 bikes.

“Unfortunately, when there is something new and shiny in the city, some people think they have the right to damage and ruin it”, he said.

“However, the vandalism is less common now. When we first started, there were many more reports of it taking place. We have been working with the police lots to reduce the damage done to the bikes. The last few weeks it has tailed off quite a lot.” When Mobike - an app-based scheme - was launched in June, its creators said they were ‘vandal-proof.’ To the outrage of users, a number have since been found in the canal, with others damaged, burned or stolen. But Mr Pyer said they had expected and prepared for some losses, adding: “You are never going to stop this kind of vandalism altogether, but the bikes have proved massively popular since we launched.” Mobikes are hired through an app. Unlike London’s Boris bikes, they are dockless and are secured instead by a lock on the back wheel. This means they can be parked anywhere within the permitted zone. Inspector Phil Spurgeon, from Greater Manchester Police’s City Centre team, said: “We know the majority of people in Manchester have been using the bikes respectfully and parking them in designated areas. Sadly, a small minority are still not doing this. “We continue to liaise with Mobike, as well as other relevant partners to help reduce the risks of misuse.”