Public Bikes

About

We’ve been watching the increase in bike usage in cities around the world for about ten years. It’s been fun.Copenhagen has challenged Amsterdam as the center of biking fashion. Paris launched its Vélib program and now thousands of Parisians get around on city-owned bikes. Berlin, Barcelona, Seville, and numerous other cities throughout Europe followed. New York has put in bike lanes along 9th Avenue and bike racks all over the city. Portland has become the commuter bike capital of North America.

Videos are popping up in cities like Cleveland to support progressive transportation policies and the rights of pedestrians and bikers. David Byrne has been holding town hall meetings across the U.S. to support smarter urban planning. Our very own San Francisco Bicycle Coalition has been growing in double digits and now boasts over 11,000 lively members. Many hotels now offer bikes for their guests.

You would have to be hiding under a rock not to see that in almost all cities people are seeking more clever and fun alternatives to the car for getting around. The movement aims to change the world—I say let's have some fun doing just that.

PUBLIC D1 in white with basket

We’re joining the movement this spring with a small collection of modern bikes and gear. We will be launching this collection in April. Our bikes have been designed around the style and principles of the classic city bikes of Europe, updated with new technology and modern materials, and adapted to the U.S. market. We have two classic European frame styles, both unisex, both made from strong lightweight steel. We designed them for all sizes and ages and made them especially female-friendly. We will have four colors and three gear configurations all using internal hubs. We think our bikes are pretty, but you can be the judge. Prices will range from about $650 to $1200.

We will happily give you more specifics upon request, just send us a note. If you happen to live in the Bay Area, you are welcome to drop by and take a test ride. Just give us a call to make an appointment, 415-896-0123. In mid-April our online store will be live and we will have detailed specifications. We are also recruiting people, sending out a catalog and a newsletter. The best way to keep abreast of our activity is to sign up for our newsletter.

Please join the fun.

Rob Forbes

more...