Public bikes back in Wuxi this May

The first batch of parking stations for public bikes released by the Wuxi government have been installed near residential communities throughout the city. [Photo/wxrb.com]

The Wuxi government is reinstating in public rental service this May, after six months of reconditioning adding an extra 11,000 bikes to the fleet.

Bike-sharing services have exploded in the city in recent months, providing a convenient and cheap way to travel across the city, connecting public transport, or finishing the final step of a journey.

Unlike current bike-sharing services, the government bicycles still need to be parked at static parking stations, 403 of which are located in the city's Liangxi, Binhu, Xishan, Huishan and Xinwu districts.

However, on the upside, the government bikes do not require a deposit and the first hour of every ride is free of charge.

The bikes can be unlocked by downloading and registering with the mobile app 地铁便民 (pinyin: ditie bianmin), followed by scanning the QR code on the bike – the app can also be used to travel on the Wuxi metro.