baybike

baybike is one of bike-share services by DOCOMO bikeshare. It was introduced in April 2011 around the Yokohama bay area, including Yokohama Station, Yokohama Chinatown, Minato Mirai, and Motomachi. As the service continues expanding throughout Japan, more than a million users are using the service nationwide as of 2021.

Each baybike has a device called “sharing attachment.” Unlike former bike-sharing services, users can rent and return a bike at any cycle port within a specific area.

baybike supports locals’ health and contributes to environmentally friendly development nationwide.

1.Identify idle assets and keep them in use

One of the critical elements of the sharing economy is to find idle assets. Many people use bikes to commute, so they frequently sit in the bike port and are unused in the daytime. The baybike service allowss several people to share bikes while keeping the bikes in use in both day and night.

2.Improve user’s convenience with the latest technology

baybike aims to provide new public infrastructure and fill the last mile. The system is user-friendly, and “sharing attachment” allows users to rent and return bikes anywhere within the area. In addition, English is available with the latest attachment so that non-Japanese speakers can enjoy the baybike!

3.Discover unknown aspects of the city by riding a bike

The advantage of biking is not just reducing travel time. It facilitates users’ discovery of hidden aspects of the city. Many of the baybike ports are close to restaurants and stores, so users have a new opportunity to visit areas where even locals were unaware. These unexpected encounters make people feel more attracted to the city.