#Japan #Tokyo #Lime #HELLO CYCLING #OpenStreet

Strategic Partnership Between HELLO CYCLING and Lime

In a groundbreaking move for shared mobility in Japan, OpenStreet Co., Ltd. and Lime, Inc. have announced a strategic partnership that will allow users to mutually access their respective cycling services. With OpenStreet based in Minato, Tokyo, and Lime also located in the same area, this collaboration marks a significant step towards improving urban transportation in Japan, particularly in metropolitan areas facing challenges such as traffic congestion, CO2 emissions, and overtourism.

Objectives of the Partnership

Urban regions in Japan are currently tackling various sustainability issues, and this partnership aims to address those concerns by providing efficient, eco-friendly transportation solutions. OpenStreet has developed HELLO CYCLING to create a robust network of approximately 11,300 stations and 50,700 bicycles nationwide. Lime, with its extensive presence across approximately 30 countries, boasts millions of rides, catering to a diverse global audience.

Through this alliance, users from both networks can enjoy a shared port system and integrated app features, enabling seamless access to every vehicle offered by both HELLO CYCLING and Lime. This initiative aims to enhance last-mile connectivity for local residents, seniors, and inbound tourists, effectively promoting inbound tourism and stimulating local economies.

Details of the Partnership

Once the mutual usage integration commences, both applications will be interconnected, allowing users to reserve, use, and return bicycles from either service seamlessly.

• - Available Bicycles:

- HELLO CYCLING: Electric assist bicycles (City Cycle) model KUROAD Lite (sports type)
- Lime: New electric assist bicycle, LimeBike (planned for launch)

Future Plans

The collaboration emphasizes enhancing the experience for foreign tourists from regions where Lime's major user base resides, particularly Europe, the United States, and Australia. By introducing LimeBike to Japan, the partnership aims to provide travelers with familiar services during their stay, improving mobility options for inbound tourists.

Furthermore, OpenStreet and Lime will collaborate with local authorities, community organizations, and educational institutions to promote traffic safety measures leveraging cutting-edge technology. Initiatives such as in-app safety alerts and tests before rides will be introduced to foster adherence to Japan's traffic rules and improve overall user etiquette.

Building a Safe and Trustworthy Environment

Both companies are committed to ensuring that foreign visitors understand Japan's road traffic regulations and are actively working to prevent illegal riding behaviors. Lime provides multilingual traffic rules and etiquette guidance via its app for users upon arrival in Japan. OpenStreet engages with local municipalities and related organizations to conduct ongoing safety training and awareness initiatives, creating an environment where everyone can ride safely.

Using Lime

As a leading electric micro-mobility sharing service, Lime has amassed millions of rides across five continents and around 30 countries. Users in Japan can easily reserve and ride electric micro-mobility vehicles available at port facilities throughout the city through the dedicated app, returning them to any Lime port location. Starting in August 2024, Lime will introduce a new seating electric board, providing a novel option for short-distance travel in urban environments. Lime’s mission focuses on evolving electric micro-mobility into a public transport alternative while promoting a carbon-free, sustainable future.

Using HELLO CYCLING

To utilize HELLO CYCLING, users must download the app and register for a free account. The app facilitates the process of finding stations, booking bicycles, and completing payments. With around 50,700 bicycles available across more than 11,300 stations nationwide, users can conveniently borrow and return bikes anywhere in Japan. More than 4.65 million users currently benefit from this service, tailored to meet the demands of urban commuters and visitors alike.

About OpenStreet

OpenStreet Co., Ltd. spearheads the HELLO CYCLING initiative as part of its mission to promote mobility solutions across Japan. Founded in November 2016, OpenStreet continues to advance shared cycling and other mobility platform services while actively contributing to the country's transportation landscape.

More information and app download links are available via the respective websites for HELLO CYCLING and Lime.