Promoting pedal power in Cyberjaya

(From left) Sanjey, Mohd Irwan, Cyberview acting managing director Mohd Najib Ibrahim and Ong at the grand launch of the bike-sharing service.

HOW does a township that already has 17km of cycling track further inspire its 100,000 inhabitants to get deeper into pedal fever?

Bring in a bike-sharing company of course!

Mobike is the latest bike-sharing company wheeling into the Klang Valley.

With Cyberview and Mastercard as its partners, the company staged a grand launch at the compound of Dash Box Hotel with Cyberview chairman Tan Sri Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah as guest of honour.

“It is a way to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said Mohd Irwan.

In his speech, he encouraged the public to cycle to work and meetings, and for leisure.

Mobike country manager Sanjey Chandran said it made sense that the Cyberjaya community would find it advantageous to make use of a bike-sharing service.

No need for cumbersome handling or maintenance that comes with ownership of a personal bicycle. Just scan, get on, ride and park.

Sanjey said it was a solution to reduce carbon emissions.

Cyberview technology hub development division head Mahadhir Aziz said the presence of the bike-sharing company in Cyberjaya served as a last mile transportation solution to the current bus service and later the Cyberjaya MRT Station, which is expected to start operating in 2022.

It is a concerted effort to reduce reliance on cars.

Fares have been set at RM1.50 an hour with a deposit of RM99. But this month, riders get to enjoy the service for free with a deposit of RM9.

Mastercard has enabled the bike-sharing company to embrace a cashless payment system. By scanning the QR code, riders will be able to use their debit or credit cards via their smartphones.

Mastercard Malaysia and Brunei country manager Perry Ong said the company could enjoy the freedom of a stationless operation without the hassle of collecting cash at ticketing counters because of its acceptance of evolving technology.

In a shopping survey by Mastercard, more than half of Malaysians made payments with their smartphones. This partnership with Mobike brings an integrated payment ecosystem into Cyberjaya, strenghtening its reputation as a smart city.

Mobike was launched in Shanghai in April 2016. In Malaysia, it makes its debut in Cyberjaya with the support of the Sepang Municipal Council. Studies are currently being done via the Mobike app to determine the placement of bicycles in 10 different zones and locations.

Sanjey said the team would monitor the data on user frequency, usage patterns and distances via the Mobike app. The locations will be decided based on this data.