Forget couch-surfing, now it's bike surfing. Cycling enthusiasts in Berlin have recently launched a scheme whereby tourists can borrow bikes for free. So far hundreds of people have bike-surfed their way around the German capital without paying a cent.
BikeSurf Berlin connects people with a spare bike to tourists who are looking for a free and convenient way to see the city.
Tourism is increasing dramatically in Berlin. In 2012, some 11 million people visited the German capital, making it the third most visited city in Europe after London and Paris.
In June 2012, Graham Pope, a cycling enthusiast from Ireland, launched the site, starting with just three bikes, all donated by local Berliners.
"In today’s age, with the communications tools we have, we should be able to develop systems which allow people to share resources rather than having to buy or use very expensive rental companies," Pope said.
On the BikeSurf Berlin website visitors can scroll through available bikes and make a booking. Once the booking has been confirmed they are given the location of the bike and the code for the lock.
The BikeSurf fleet has now grown to 21 with almost 400 people so far having used the service. But Pope himself has yet to make any money from it. "I make no money. I invest money, or I invest a certain amount of capital into the project with the hope that the donations will cover the invested money," he said.
The project isn’t about making money but instead about encouraging people to share their unused belongings for free and reduce tourists' spending. It also helps bring people together.
"I like that it’s free but I also like that it’s sort of like you’re part of a community where they try and connect you to other stuff going on," said Bridget Horel, a user of BikeSurf Berlin.
The BikeSurf Berlin team has now grown to 42 people, all volunteers, to look after the bikes and spread the word about bike surfing. According to Pope, they are now planning a crowd-funding campaign to raise enough money to expand the service.