December 2001
Did You Know...?
Did you know...
They’re baaaack! Call-a-Bikes, the familiar silver and neon orange bicycles that dotted city streets last summer are, once again, for rent. The company, which lost its shirt owing to a far too ambitious start-up scheme, is now managed under the umbrella of the Deutsche Bahn (DB) and offers a user-friendlier rental system. Renters have now only to call in the bike’s number by cell phone, and, within 30 seconds, ride away. Though the bicycles are now stationed in fewer places than before, there are more at each location. Bikes may be returned at any street crossing within the Mittlerer Ring. If the new system proves successful by spring 2002, the DB will expand its service to Berlin and Frankfurt and, later, to other cities with populations greater than 50,000.
What has been a bottleneck for drivers along the northern part of the Mittlerer Ring for the last four years was partly opened last month: Petuel Tunnel can now be used in the east/west direction. The city of Munich hopes to open north/south section within the next 12 months. A defunct portion of the old highway will serve as a large park with an art pavilion and restaurant.
