Skyway in Chinese city offers bikers smooth ride

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The bicycle "skyway" of the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen is the longest elevated bike lane in the world. It's 7.6 kilometers long and sits five meters above the ground level.

Nestled just beneath the city's overhead Bus Rapid Transit lanes, or BRT, the skyway is an eco-friendly link for commuters. Around one million trips have been made since its completion in February this year.

"I ride two or three times a day. It's very convenient, especially during rush hour, the BRT is over-crowded," said one cyclist.

"Cycling is a good exercise. Plus, you can enjoy the scenery along the route. It helps me save roughly 10 to 20 minutes," another cyclist told CGTN.

The bike lane is about five meters wide, giving cyclists a plenty of space. More than 2,000 bikers can use the way per hour with a maximum speed of 25 kilometers per hour.

The skyway has 11 on and off-ramps and is linked to 11 bus stations and two subway stations, spanning five residential areas and three business centers in the city.

Around 5,000 trips are made per day on bike lanes. /CGTN Photo

A CCTV camera is installed every 200 meters along the route. Non-cyclist will be identified immediately by the state-of-the-art recognition technology and will not be allowed to enter the skyway.

The safety measures have proved useful. An estimated 5,000 residents use Xiamen's skyway every day. No major accident has so far been reported.

Staff working at the operating control room is monitoring the screen. /CGTN Photo

"We have maintenance staff and security personnel at each of entry and exit point. In the event of an emergency, the team will respond immediately," said Wei Jianlong, an official associated with Xiamen Aerial Bike Lane Service Center.

The idea to develop the skyway is a brainchild of a local student, who proposed this in an innovation contest. It is a sign that a little inspiration could sometimes go a long way.

The skyway provides residents an environment-friendly commute. /CGTN Photo

The skyway does not only offer residents and travelers a unique experience to commute, but is also a way to keep pedestrians, cars and cyclists apart.

It may become a model and a possible solution for the country's gridlock traffic.