This decision follows a request from the concessionaire company responsible for the service's management and maintenance. The measure will allow for the protection of the fleet during the peak days of the festivities, while also providing an opportunity for a comprehensive review and tune-up of all bicycles before the service resumes operation on August 10th.
The company justifies the request by the significant increase in users during the holidays, particularly in areas with numerous MugiBike stations. They argue that experience from similar services indicates a higher risk of vandalism, material damage, and improper use of bicycles. Vandalism incidents on service bicycles were already detected on the eve of Santiago Day.
The temporary removal will also facilitate a thorough review of the entire fleet, including preventive inspections, maintenance work, and improvements, to ensure the bicycles are in optimal condition upon their return after the festivities.
This measure has precedents in other cities with large celebrations. For instance, Pamplona annually removes its public bicycle service during the San Fermín festival to protect the fleet and adapt to the city's special conditions.
“"The Councilor for Public Space and Neighborhoods, Beatriz Artolazabal, stated that «we have considered the request presented by the concessionaire company reasonable because it seeks to protect a public service that is used by more and more people in Vitoria-Gasteiz. This is a measure limited to the central days of La Blanca that will allow us to preserve the fleet and carry out a complete review of all bicycles before their return to service»."
