The concept of a bike sharing system is not new. The idea was first introduced in Amsterdam in 1965. The point of such a system was an attempt to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. Poynt Bikes, a revolutionary system in Stellenbosch, is the first of its kind in town.
“For us, we feel there are a number of importance’s and advantages important advantages for a bike share in Stellenbosch. Its a new, fun and exciting way to get around. Students can jump on a bike outside their residences and shoot to uni, to restaurants and shops,” says co-owner Myles Grizic.
Poynt Bikes is still in its pilot phase and their aim is for convenience. The concept is to have bikes, as you need them all over campus or throughout the town.
“Right now, there are roughly 20 bikes available at various points. These can be found at all Campus Key Residences, BP in Dorp Street, the Simonsrust Spar, the Kruiskerk parking area on the corner of Victoria and Ryneveld Street and the launch lab by Hammanshand Road,” says lead pilot manager of the system, Merchant van den Heever.
Poynt Bikes aims to be the first technology driven bike share system in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Caira Blignaut
Everything is electronic. Once on the app: unlock and manage your rentals, see all your history, operate and see GPS views and coordinates of exactly how many bikes are available at various stations. One can also pre-book a bike. Details on how to download and install the app will be available online at www.poyntbikes.com and at all stations when the full roll-out begins end of June.
The approach Poynt Bikes is taking around bike sharing is to ultimately resolve the critical problem of parking in Stellenbosch.
“This is a super convenient and very viable way to get parking stations and parking lots outside of town where we aim to move the traffic out of Stellenbosch and essentially have more people in the town commuting using bikes as opposed to parking on campus,” says Van den Heever.
Merchant van Den Heever, Lead pilot Manager, believes that Poynt Bikes can be a solution to the parking problem in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Caira Blignaut
The bikes are solid and good quality, comfortable for transportation, easy to ride and single speed performance bikes. The bikes are designed in a way made for satisfaction in comfortability for its user where maintenance is also low.
The app is made functional through a Bluetooth system attached to the bikes. Once the official launch has taken place, various payment methods will be made available. Assorted packages will be made accessible to customers ranging from either unlimited trips in a monthly package or a per trip kind of system which would then have a flat rate fee.
“Poynt offers a practical, unique and accessible way of getting around to anyone from students to tourists to time sensitive people needing to get around quickly. The structure of the packages are affordable with something available for short term or long term. It’s a system that fits into everyday life and works so well,” says Poynt customer Bronwyn Balckhurst.
Poynt will officially be launching in the beginning of July with an aim of at least 500 bikes being made available in Stellenbosch.
WATCH: Poynt Bikes is a new bike sharing system in Stellenbosch