Biking boom leads to call for better bike lanes and sidewalks

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China’s booming bike-sharing economy has contributed to an increasing number of green commuters in China, with more people riding bicycles to-and-from work. But the widespread use of shared bikes has also triggered several problems.

At 7:30 a.m. He Zheng unlocks a shared bike on the street just across from his home, in the city of Taiyuan in north China’s Shanxi Province. About three months ago, he started to ride a shared bike to work nearly every day instead of driving a car.

Riding a bike can often save both time and money for car owners. /CGTN Photo

He Zheng said, he had to spend more than 30 minutes driving a car to work before mainly due to traffic. Now, riding bikes not only shortens his time getting to office, but also saves parking fees.

He Zheng hopes there will be better bike lanes and sidewalks. /CGTN Photo

But he has also found that riding a bike in the city can be difficult. Cars often occupy bicycle lanes and even sidewalks. He sometimes has to ride on the open street. Bikers, scooters and cars often run together on the same path, making it quite dangerous. He calls on the government to build more bicycle lanes to improve the congested situation.

Many other citizens feel the same way. The frustration spills over when walking or riding during peak hours. Many believe that only when these problems are addressed, can green commuting be easier and more enjoyable.

Bike lanes and sidewalks are often occupied by cars. /CGTN Photo

According to the Ministry of Public Security, the number of private vehicles in China is rising fast, reaching 300 million in March.

Chinese city planning has long centered on automobiles. But many experts indicate changes need to be made to promote green commuting.

Local government and city planners are expected to improve the layouts of the roads to ensure green commuting. /CGTN Photo

Ning Xuejun, Chief Planner of the Shanxi Urban and Rural Design and Planning Institute, pointed out that the ultimate solution is not building more roads but making reasonable use of limited traffic space.

More space should be made available for green commuting, in order to encourage more people to become green commuters.