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Travel Innovations: Shanghai Bike Sharing Program

Written by Brittany Kleinman: With over 20 million people and 40 million legs, Shanghai’s recent bike-share initiative has the potential to make a real dent in Eco-transportation. Currently, China is the world’s third-largest car manufacturer, with an annual production of over 5 million vehicles. At present, there are some 33 million cars in the country. Since the boom of car ownership in China 5 years ago, access to bike lanes and over crowded streets have contributed to a steady decline in cycling commuters. However, last month the city started testing a bike-sharing system outside one of the metro stations, asking people to use bikes between the metro station and their office. Aimed to coincide with World Car Free Day and the preparations for the 2010 World Expo, they plan to expand the program to 800 metro station exits and 2,700 other sites by 2012. Click Read More for additional information and photos.

The nuts and bolts are as follows: Riders pay a 200 RMB ($28) deposit on the bike, with the first half hour free. For each additional hour, riders pay 3 RMB ($0.40). Bikes are supplied by the Shanghai Forever Bicycle Company, one of the most famous and recognizable old bicycle brands in China.