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In an effort to promote alternative means of transport, in order to protect the environment and adopt a more sustainable life style, the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change has introduced a scheme of automated bicycle rental, as part of it’s “Urban Revitalization 2012-2015” program. A similar system is already in place at the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, where over 1,000 students and teaching staff participate.
The ministry is planning on introducing the scheme to 18 municipalities all over Greece; in Athens bikes will be available at Marousi, Moschato/Tavros, Keratsini/Drapetsona, Nea Smyrni and Marathona. Outside of Athens, municipal bike hire will be available in Aegialia, Aktio/Vonitsa, East Mani, Ancient Olympia, Didymoteicho, Dion/Olympia, Zakynthos, Kavala, Karditsa, Komotini, Nafpaktos, Naflio and Sikyon.
Those interested must register at their local municipal bicycle hire center and will be issued a magnetic card to hire and return bicycles. There will be daily, weekly, monthly, tri-monthly and annual subscriptions. Prices and other details will be decided upon by each municipal council. The system will be available in most municipalities in a pilot phase by mid February, with most hiring centers expected to be operational in March.
