Japanese Bicycles

Houchi Jitensha [放置自転車[ほうちじてんしゃ]] means "abandoned bicycles." Bicycles are just left anywhere and everywhere. Many of the bicycles are in perfect condition so its difficult to tell whether its being dumped. After a while however, the dumped bicycle will be removed and depending on the governing body, the bicycle may be recycled, thrown away or kept in store until the owner reclaims it. In this case the owner will pay a fine.
EcoChari.com has found a way to put those unwanted bikes to good use and monetize at the same time.

EcoChari works with governing bodies to obtain dumped bicycles which they then loan to university students. The cost to the student is zero yen. Students who are in need of a free bicycle then go to EcoChari.com to apply online. A bicycle is then loaned to the student until they graduate from university. Instead of making money from students, EcoChari monetizes by sticking adverts all over the bike ^^;

I can see this being popular with poor otaku students if the bicycles looked like ItaChari.
News via Johoya.