The unintended consequences of Melbourne’s new bike-sharing fad

A new mobile bike-sharing system is causing problems in the city.

oBikes can be unlocked remotely with a smartphone app and users can then drop them off wherever they like – no bike racks are necessary.

3AW callers say the yellow bikes are being dumped on footpaths, inconveniencing pedestrians and proving a safety concern.

Craig Richards  from the Bicycle Network says there are consequences for not parking them correctly.

“The system does have a bit like a rating system,” he told Justin and Kate.

“If you leave your bike in an inconvenient place, then that’s something that you kind of get penalised for.”

But, as callers said, what’s inconvenient for someone picking up a bike is different to what’s inconvenient for people trying to walk Mebourne’s streets.

Click PLAY above to hear more with Justin and Kate