Ecovolis (a portmanteau of Eco (from Greek: οἶκος, "house"; -λογία, "study of") and volō: from Latin [English: fly]) is a community based bike sharing program in Tirana, Albania, launched on March 22nd 2011, from an environmental NGO called Social Stimulating Alternatives Program (PASS). The system is based on 6 bike stations, respectively staffed by two employees in two shifts. Ecovolis program has proven successful in significantly increasing bicycle use in Tirana.
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History
Initially the Tirana Community Bicycle Albania project was supported from PASS organization and the US-based Pedal for Progress organization, which donated 450 bicycles. Sixty of these were used road bikes, which were modified and painted by local technicians to serve as public bikes in the Ecovolis scheme.
In 2014, Ecovolis participated in European Mobility Week.
System
Each Ecovolis station is staffed by two employees in two shifts and contains 30 – 60 bicycles. As of 2014, four stations are in operation in Tirana, and about 2000 people have subscribed. In order to use the bicycles it is required to provide a personal identification document (such as passport or ID card) or by subscribing to the Ecovolis membership Card. The bicycle is equipped with a front bicycle basket, a behind carrier, a comfortable saddle and a public fender with the Ecovolis sign. The bicycle stations also provide touristic information to the visitors and a list of the city attractions. Moreover, being a non-profit social enterprise, during particular days the program offers free bicycle service, cycling courses, donations of bicycles and helmets for children in need, bike tours and a bicycle recycle program.
Payment
The program operates in two ways: through membership subscription or a personal identification document (such as passport or ID card). Individuals registered with the program identify themselves with the Ecovolis membership card at any bicycle station. For visitors, the cost is about $1.00 per day. In 2014, Ecovolis allowed users at some of its kiosks to earn credit towards free bicyclec use by returning metal cans for recycling.
Theft and Vandalism
From March 22nd 2011, when the Ecovolis initiative begun, 80 bicycles have not been returned or have been stolen since this year, i.e. an average 10 bicycles per month or 2.5 a week. During three different phases, the bicycles have been replaced and added to the stations.