Medina bikes: Africa’s first cycle-share scheme launches in Marrakech

With the potential to curb urban congestion, could a successful trial scheme in Morocco act as a launchpad for borrowing bikes across the whole continent?

Moroccans claim you can identify someone as a true Marrakech local if they own a bicycle. The streets of this north African city were once full of ardent cyclists, but in recent decades they've been overtaken by scooters and cars that swarm the city's congested roads.

Now, French bike company Smoove, is trying to revive Marrakech's biking culture - and boost sustainable transport - by launching Africa's first fully functioning bike share scheme in the city. The launch coincided with the start of the COP22 climate conference in the city.