Beijing Cycle Rental VS London Cycle Hire

Many foreign and domestic travelers are interested in an organized Beijing Bike Tour or independent Beijing cycle trips. Bicycles have the advantages of low cost and energy efficiency. It is also healthy, and easier and quicker to shuttle through Beijing's hutongs.

For independent cyclists, they find quite diffucult to ride in Beijing mainly due to the lack of bike lanes and decreasing rental outlets. Many bicycle lanes have been eroded away to make room for cars and buses. Cyclists have to fight for their rights to the road at the resk of their life. Some private bike rental companies have been closed because of losing many mainly caused by the lack of a sound cycle rental business model.

Beijing government should learn about the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme in London, United Kingdom. Beijing government should guide and promote the development of the bicycle renting business. The Barclays Cycle Hire scheme launched on 30 July 2010 in London has set a good example for Beijing in developing a perfect public bicycle sharing scheme.

There over 5,000 bicycles and 315 docking stations (bike outlets or Bicycle rental kiosks) available in central London, covering the City of London and parts of eight London boroughs. The scheme is opened both to casual users and registered memebers. Bikes may be rented using a credit or debit card. It mainly goes like this:

Docking Stations (Bike rental outlets)

Docking stations are composed of a terminal and docking points where you pick up and return bikes

Docking points Each cycle is locked and secured in a docking point. There are many docking points ( where the bikes are locked) at each docking station.

Use the docking point:

To open and lock cycles Members: Insert your key Casual users: Put in your cycle release code

Terminal at a docking station Print a record of your journey Find other docking stations - if one's full or empty Get extra time - if you need to return your cycle to another docking station See a local street map, costs, Code of conduct and translated information Buy 24-hour or seven-day access - for up to four cycles Print cycle release code

Users of the scheme must pay both an access fee and usage charges

Access fee Period 24-hour access Seven-day access Annual access Cost £1 £5 £45

Usage charges

Usage charges are aimed at promoting the constant circulation of bicycles.

Time: 30 min 1 hour 13 30 2 h 2 h30 3 h 6 h 24 hour Rate: free £1 £4 £6 £10 £15 £35 £50