The Bizkaibizi rental service will extend its operating hours this summer, allowing users to utilize the bikes until 1 AM, an hour later than the previous midnight closing time. This initiative will run as a pilot experience throughout the summer months and will be accompanied by a surveillance and awareness campaign conducted in collaboration with local police forces in the municipalities where the service is available, aiming to foster safe and responsible use of the bicycles.
According to the Provincial Council, this extension responds to the increase in bicycle travel during the summer, driven by favorable weather and more leisure time, thereby offering greater flexibility for daily commutes, leisure activities, and tourism. Provincial councilor Sonia Pérez highlighted that this extended schedule "allows the service to adapt to the real needs of citizens during months of high social and tourist activity, providing more usage opportunities without compromising the highest safety standards."
In just over two years, Bizkaibizi has established itself as a key tool for advancing more sustainable, healthy, and efficient mobility in Bizkaia. The service currently boasts over 28,000 registered users and approximately 26,000 active users.
However, this growth must be accompanied by a culture of responsible use, as emphasized by the provincial official. To this end, a special surveillance and awareness campaign will be launched next week, from the 8th to the 14th, in partnership with the local police in the municipalities where the bikes operate: Barakaldo, Berango, Bilbao, Erandio, Getxo, Leioa, Portugalete, Santurtzi, and Sestao.
The initiative will specifically target adolescents and minors, coinciding with the start of the holiday period and the San Juan festivities, times when bicycle use in urban areas significantly increases. The campaign will combine informational actions, street presence, and surveillance efforts to reinforce compliance with traffic regulations and promote safe coexistence among all road users.
Key aspects that will receive particular attention include the prohibition of use by individuals under 16 years of age, riding with two people on a single bicycle, and adherence to basic road safety rules. Traveling information points will also be set up in various municipalities to provide details on the service's operation, address queries, and distribute educational materials on safe and responsible mobility.
The Provincial Council will also provide local police forces with specific support materials to facilitate operational coordination and improve the management of service-related incidents. In terms of security, Bizkaibizi will continue to enhance user identification mechanisms and is exploring new verification methods to ensure the validity of provided data and more effectively check compliance with age requirements for service access.
