During a peaceful May morning in the Jianguomen area of Beijing, the streets were bustling with activity. A father was teaching his son how to ride a bicycle, a mother and son duo parked their bicycles at a designated area, and a college student locked his bike using his smartphone after reaching his destination.
Zhang Yi Fei, a 23-year-old college student, shared his experience of using shareable bicycles for his daily commute. He mentioned, “I use shareable bicycles every morning to go to my college. It’s easy and cheaper compared to cabs and is also environmentally friendly.”
This trend of using shareable bicycles is not limited to Jianguomen; it has spread across Beijing. The city is filled with blue, yellow, and green bicycles belonging to different private companies, making cycling hassle-free and popular.
Users can easily unlock a bicycle by scanning a QR code using a mobile app, ride it, park it at a different stand, and pay using the same app. The convenience and affordability of this mode of transportation have contributed to its growing popularity.
Liu Daizong, East Asia Director of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP), shared his daily cycling routine using shareable bicycles. He emphasized the benefits of cycling as a mode of commuting and exercise, highlighting the positive shift in people’s mindset towards cycling.
Infrastructure push
Beijing’s popularity for cycling is not only due to bicycle-sharing but also because of the infrastructure provided for cyclists. The city boasts separate bicycle lanes in most parts, making it safer and more convenient for cyclists.
The government has invested in building dedicated bicycle tracks, such as a 6.5-km three-lane track in the northwest part of the city. Additionally, there are separate traffic lights for cycles in certain areas, prioritizing cyclist safety and efficiency.
Not just Beijing
The trend of cycling and bicycle-sharing is not limited to Beijing. Cities in Fujian and Hainan provinces are also witnessing a rise in bicycle-sharing services and the development of cycle lanes.
However, challenges such as the use of electric scooters in cycle lanes and inadequate infrastructure planning have been observed in some cities, affecting the overall cycling experience.
Bumpy ride
China’s journey with bicycles has seen ups and downs over the years. From being known as the ‘Kingdom of Bicycles’ to a decline in cycling culture due to the rise of cars, the country has experienced shifts in transportation preferences.
However, with the government’s renewed focus on promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport, initiatives like bicycle-sharing have gained momentum. The regulation of shareable bicycles in 2017 marked a turning point in the industry’s development.
Looking ahead, China aims to enhance its cycling infrastructure and promote cycling as part of its “Healthy China 2030” policy, setting an example for other countries.
Lessons for India
While China makes strides in promoting cycling, India faces challenges in infrastructure development and promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transport. Delhi, for example, lacks adequate cycle lanes and infrastructure for cyclists, hindering the adoption of cycling as a viable commuting option.
Experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing walking and cycling in urban planning to address issues like air pollution and congestion. Implementing policies that support cycling and pedestrian infrastructure is crucial for creating sustainable and healthy cities.
As China leads by example in promoting cycling, India can learn valuable lessons in prioritizing sustainable transport solutions for its growing urban population.
(The correspondent is in China at the invitation of the China Public Diplomacy Association)
