China's commuters trade traffic for two-wheelers

Duan was among the first to try the new service. He took the Changping Line from Xitucheng Station to Changping Dongguan. Staff measured his bike, guided him through security, and accompanied him to the platform.

Though Duan is happy with the service thus far, he sees room for improvement. The current flat fare of 30 yuan ($4.43) per trip, regardless of distance, is expensive, he noted. "More flexible pricing, based on distance or time of day, would encourage more people to use the service."

He also suggested dedicated parking areas for bikes inside carriages and clearer rules so that cyclists do not inconvenience regular passengers.

While Beijing launched its pilot in May, Shenzhen in Guangdong province had already been running a similar program for months.

On Nov 15, Shenzhen's metro authority introduced a cycling-friendly service on four lines. Originally only available on weekends, this service requires reservations one workday in advance for individuals and three workdays in advance for groups.

A flat fare of 35 yuan per person and per bike is charged, and only non-electric, single-seat bicycles with wheel diameters under 28 inches are permitted. Bicycles must be packed in protective covers and are only allowed in the front or rear carriages. Its service expanded on Feb 15, adding 28 new subway stations on more lines and including public holidays.

For residents like Yin Bo, a 42-year-old cyclist and social media influencer, this initiative is a significant step toward realizing Shenzhen's ambition to become a "bike-friendly metropolis". Yin views this policy as a welcome change that complements his lifestyle and passion for cycling.

"Cycling keeps me healthy, connected, and young at heart," he said. "It's excellent aerobic exercise and helps maintain a good physique."

Having ridden everything from mountain bikes to road bikes to folding bikes, Yin is a seasoned guide to the region's greenways and leisure routes.

He appreciates the small touches that lower the barrier for beginners, such as the subway's provision of free bike bags that don't require disassembling the wheels. "When you reach your destination, you return the bag to the staff. The whole process is very smooth," he added.

Looking ahead, Yin hopes the city will host more cycling events and continue expanding its network of safe, enjoyable routes.

"Greenways are nice for the first six months, but to keep people cycling long-term, we need more variety like coastal rides and hill climbs. If the riding experience improves, more people will join," he said.

Elsewhere, cities such as Suzhou in Jiangsu province and Hefei in Anhui province have introduced similar policies.