Ecovolis (a portmanteau of Eco (from Greek: οἶκος, "house"; -λογία, "study of") and volō: from Latin English:) was a community based bike sharing program in Tirana, Albania,[ "Critical Mass Tirana: a due ruote contro il presente ita". Nicola Pedrazzi, Osservatorio balcane e caucaso.] launched on , from an environmental NGO called Social Stimulating Alternatives Program (PASS).
History
Initially the Tirana Community Bicycle Albania project was supported from PASS organization and the US-based Pedal for Progress organization, which donated 450 bicycles. Sixty of these were used road bikes, which were modified and painted by local technicians to serve as public bikes in the Ecovolis scheme.
In 2014, Ecovolis participated in European Mobility Week.[European. Low Carbon Sustainable Homeland.]
System
Each Ecovolis station was staffed by two employees in two shifts and contains 30 – 60 bicycles. As of 2014, four stations were in operation in Tirana, and about 2000 people were subscribed.
[ "Tirana fights to beat its addiction to cars and get its residents cycling" The Guardian.] In order to use the bicycles, it was required to provide a personal identification document (such as a passport or an ID card) or to subscribe to the Ecovolis membership card. Bicycles were equipped with a front bicycle basket, a behind carrier, a comfortable saddle and a public fender with the Ecovolis sign. The bicycle stations also provided touristic information to the visitors and a list of the city's main attractions. Being a non-profit social enterprise, the program sometimes offered free bicycle service, cycling courses, donations of bicycles and helmets for children in need, bike tours and a bicycle recycle program.
Payment
The program operated in two ways: through membership subscription or a personal identification document (such as passport or ID card). Individuals registered with the program identify themselves with the Ecovolis membership card at any bicycle station. For visitors, the cost was about $1.00 per day.
[ "3 Dangerous Places Worth Visiting". Student Travel Planning Guide.] In 2014, Ecovolis allowed users at some of its kiosks to earn credit towards free bicycles use by returning metal cans for recycling.
[ "Riciklo dhe pedalo ca kohë falas!" . Shekulu. Florenc Stafa 12 Tetor 2014,]
Theft and Vandalism
From March 22, 2011, when the Ecovolis initiative begun, 80 bicycles have not been returned or have been stolen since this year, i.e. an average 10 bicycles per month or 2.5 a week. During three different phases, the bicycles have been replaced and added to the stations.
External links
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http://www.ecovolis.al/
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http://www.pass-al.org/ecovolis.html
