ROSE GARDEN. After a one-year stop, the Municipality is proposing bike sharing again for the summer, which should be active from 1 July to 31 August. In fact, the notice will be published shortly, as specified by the tourism councilor Annalisa D’Elpidio. «Last year the tender was deserted and then we didn’t propose it again», he recalls, «this year we’re trying again and we have arranged an assignment for three years. It is a fundamental service for a tourist city, which complements the rental of bikes by private structures.” However, there are only 42 bicycles available, compared to over 100 a few years ago. In the council resolution, recently approved, it is specified that the municipal garage in Piazza della Repubblica is available, intended for storing bikes, as well as a rental point. Furthermore, the hourly rates were also approved, which include one euro for one hour, two euros for two hours, three euros for four hours, and six euros for the whole day. Those over 65 are exempt from paying, and access to minors is permitted only if accompanied by an adult. The concessionaire will then have to pay a fee to the Municipality, for each season, equal to 400 euros.
In past years, bike sharing has worked well in the Rose area and for several summer seasons there were two rental points, in Piazza della Repubblica and on state road 150 near the sports hall. The number of bicycles available has always been high, over 100 vehicles. In recent years, however, the number of bikes has dropped drastically, going from 120 in 2020 to the current 42. Perhaps this last aspect may have made companies desist from submitting offers last year. What is certain is that the current administration is not having any luck with tenders. For two consecutive years, in fact, the tender for the management of the IAT office was deserted, but it has recently reopened thanks to the management entrusted to the fourth sector and to the people of the civil service. And now there is a ban on bike sharing, and the administration hopes that proposals may arrive.
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