Zagreb's 'Bajs' Bike System Thrives: One in Eight Residents Ride Daily as City Expands Service

Zagreb's public bicycle-sharing system, known as "Bajs," has rapidly become a fixture in the city's daily life, attracting over 100,000 users since its launch less than nine months ago. City officials highlight its success as a complement to public transport, noting its widespread adoption for commuting, errands, and leisure activities.

The system sees approximately 14,000 rides per day, translating to a bike being used every six seconds. With Zagreb's population nearing 800,000, this usage pattern means that one in every eight residents now relies on "Bajs." Deputy Mayor Danijela Dolenec confirmed the service's success, observing its consistent growth in users and usage minutes, even during its initial autumn launch.

"Bajs" is particularly popular around major city squares, student dormitories, and university campuses. Data indicates its use for commuting during weekdays, while weekends see a surge in recreational cycling across the city, often supplementing family transportation needs. Dolenec described it as a "successful project" that has met expectations.

Building on this momentum, the City of Zagreb is significantly expanding the "Bajs" network. Mayor Tomislav Tomašević announced the addition of 1,000 new bicycles, increasing the fleet by 50%. The expansion also includes more docking stations, longer rental periods, and the introduction of cargo bike models. This "Bajs 2.0" initiative aims to further integrate the service into the urban fabric, with a focus on neighborhood accessibility rather than solely tourist-centric areas.