oBike users call for riders to be responsible

 

EVER since bicycles belonging to oBike (M) Sdn Bhd were seized by the Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (MBPJ) recently,there was mixed reactions from social media users.

Previously, StarMetro reported on how over 250 bicycles belonging to the station-less bicycle-sharing platform company has been seized by MBPJ enforcement officers with more raids to come.

The bicycles were seized because they were obstructions on the road. MBPJ also said that the company had not applied for a licence to operate in the city.

However, this station-less bicycle-sharing platform is something new to the city and there are no guidelines or specific licence in place to be applied for yet.

A majority of those who responded on The Star Online Facebook urged MBPJ officers to visit Singapore and China to see how their bicycle sharing operations were carried out.

However, some said that rules should be followed and proper regulations were necessary for such a big operation to keep users and the company in check.

“Yes it can be a nuisance and a hindrance to others when it is not properly maintained or regulated. Users who could not care less will contribute to a lot of problems for others,” said Facebook user Muhammad Ridzuan.

Joon Yeong Leong said on Facebook that Malaysians were used to unregulated services and considered it a norm.

However, unlicensed or unregulated services especially for the public can cause problems too.

“What if someone got hurt using the bicycles that are parked in isolated places? Who will pay if someone gets hurt?” Leong queried.

Ben Choong suggested that designated parking spaces be put in place for the bicycles, to solve the problem of the vehicles being an obstruction.

“The idea is good but I saw riders leaving the bicycles in inappropriate places,” said fellow Facebook user Peng Kit Stephen Wong.

Some users proposed to MBPJ to charge rental for the bicycle parking as the space belonged to the city council.

Having stations at public transport stations like the LRT or MRT would be more beneficial, another reader said.

Adhilah Ali, on the other hand, said oBike was a brilliant idea but the operators should obtain the necessary permits.

“Just provide a proper parking platform. I’m using this service, so please do not end something that is useful,” said user Loo YC.

A few others who used the bike-sharing service called for all users to be more responsible and park the two-wheelers at designated places.

It was also reported that MBPJ was looking into drafting up guidelines for this licence and oBike is already in talks with the city council on how to move forward and operate this legally.