SOBI, short for “SOcial BIcycle” is a new take on bike sharing programs that lets a city implement a far reaching program without the usual infrastructure, special bicycles, etc.
The brainchild of Ryan Rzepecki, SOBI works by attaching a mobile/GPS unit and special locking system to any bike, then letting users borrow and return the bike from anywhere they find it and anywhere they need to drop it off. Because the bikes are equipped with GPS, they can communicate their position and let users find and unlock them using a mobile phone.
SOBI is set to go live with a test in New York City this fall. They’re in the running for a Pepsi Refresh grant (click that link to vote for them) and you can Like them on Facebook if you dig the idea and want to keep up.
