Some may or may not be aware that Spain has followed other European countries in making available bikes to rent.

What makes the system useful is that you have the bikes at stands around the city, you pay at the stand, ride the bike to another stand near your destination and leave it there.

The scheme has been so successful that bike were not always available in many popular locations, whilst there were loads at other not so popular locations.

But last week its been announced that the schemes will increase not only with more bikes, but more locations and into small cities around Spain.

You can see them here.

http://www.diariovasco.com/20070922/san-sebastian/alquiler-municipal-bicicletas-pondra-20070922.html

http://www.eladelantado.com/noticia/local/86035/El-servicio-de-alquiler-de-bicis-se-ampliar?-antes-de-que-acabe-el-mes

Thanks Santi for this - I recently saw something about bikes in Orihuela but did not realise it was all part of a bigger scheme. What will they think of next?

I believe it started in Paris originally then spread outwards around Europe.

You could always rent a bike in most places in Spain, but it meant keeping it all day and returning to the shop.

These are more flexible and a real alternative around a city.

Although I doubt some cities within the UK will be as successful as there EU cousins, well just moan about the weather, Health & Safety and some hoody will abuse the bikes and stands, then the Police will prosecute the rides for not wearing High visbilty vests, as there more likely to pay the fine than an unemployed hoody destroying them.