Tag: Biking
Biking in Action
by Sean on Jun.06, 2009, under China
Update on the bike rental system: As a result of too many applications and not enough bikes, they’re rolling out about 60 more rental stations and another 2,000 bikes within the next month. New applications for IDs will begin on June 10th, 2009.
After waiting almost a month for my bike ID to be ready, I wasted no time renting a bike. The first problem I encountered was that my girlfriend had no idea how to ride one. I talked her into riding bikes with me after promising to teach her. We went down to the rental station and got bikes. The rental process involves handing your ID to the worker, who then writes down the ID number on the sign out sheet. They scan your ID to enter it into the system that you will be renting a bike. They then go and fetch a bike, and quickly show you how to lock and unlock it.
For the first hour I taught my girlfriend how to ride the bike.Within a few minutes, we were off. Except not, because my girlfriend still didn’t know how to ride a bike. So we slowly walked our bikes to the back of my apartment building where no one could possibly see her goof up and maybe fall flat on her face. Sadly, for all of our amusement, that didn’t happen. For the next hour, I pushed her to try and try again. She was amazed at how simple I made it look, to which I explained I had been riding since I was 3 or 4, the normal age for a Westerner to begin. On a side note, like most Chinese people, she can’t swim either.
After the first hour was over, I had her riding circles around the building like a pro, and we took off to the main road. We road east down Wu Luo Lu to a shopping area called Ya Mao. Every few minutes, she would get scared of being too close to a bus, or of pedestrians, and she would get off the bike. As this was her first time riding, it took her a considerable amount of time to get the courage to jump back on the bike and pedal. This turned out to be quite a waste of time, but I can’t get mad at a girl trying really hard to learn! We turned right at Ya Mao onto Shi Pai Ling Lu, where we stopped for 2rmb ($0.15) worth of spicy potato wedges. After being stared at by locals, and even approached about the bikes we had by an older woman, we hopped on the bikes and headed towards Xiong Chu Da Dao.
At this road, we turned right to head back in the direction towards my apartment, thus forming a rectangular path. As we turned onto Ding Zi Qiao Lu, the last leg of our journey through the city, Lily hit a huge wire cemented into the ground that’s meant to hold up a power line. She fell off the bike, but I held back the laughter for fear of death stares. It was pretty hilarious since I saw the wire and saw it happen, but didn’t say anything because I thought she saw it too. After two hours of teaching her and finally riding, we returned the bikes. Exhausted and sunburnt, we collapsed on the couch of my apartment having been fully satisfied with the experience. Well, I can’t say she was satisfied with falling off a lot, but I was satisfied with watching it happen! I’m bad, I know.
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Bike Riding in Wuhan
by Sean on May.14, 2009, under China
Wuhan has recently adapted the brilliant “Vélib’” system implemented in France, where citizens can use public bikes if they obtain a special card. The French system allows people to purchase a subscription to rent bikes for free up to 30 minutes. After the allotted time is up, they begin charging your credit card. Other countries using this type of public bike rental include Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and China.
Bike rack
Yes, I did say China. In February 2009, my city began setting up rental stations and application centers throughout the city. I think this is a huge step for China, and I’m excited by the prospect of riding, as I sold my bike when I moved here from America and haven’t ridden in almost a year. The best thing about this system is that there is no charge unless you are late; it’s great that riders are allowed 4 hours with each bike. If the rider wishes to extend their time, they may drop the bike off at a different station and pick up a new one. If you are late, however, they give you a strike. Three strikes, and they revoke your card.
Application Office
Here is some more information about the new system:
- The application office is open from 7am to 8pm.
- Application forms are limited, so arrive at the center early.
- The most notable center is located on the Southeast corner of Zhong Nan Lu and Hong Shan Lu in the Wuchang district.
- In order to apply for the ID card, you only need a copy of your passport and a passport size photo.
- Once you apply for the ID card, you must wait a week and return to the center to retrieve the card.
- The ID card is valid for 3 years on good behavior.
- If you lose the card, you must pay 5rmb ($0.80) for a replacement.
I love the idea of this system because it makes travel easier and allows you to save money! It promotes exercise to combat the obesity problem caused by the invasion of Western tendencies. Sign up for this free system today, whether you’re looking to exercise or explore the city you’re in!
Wuchang District rental stations
Look for my upcoming article: “Biking in Action,” where I’ll rent a bike, explore something new, and report about how the newly implemented system runs.
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