Pingtan puts 2,000 public bikes to use

Currently, there are two application offices where users can apply for the public bike cards. Each user is required to register using his or her ID card or "Haxiatong" card, a public transportation card available to both residents from the mainland and Taiwan. In order to prevent deliberate damage of public property, a deposit of 299 yuan is required.

The first hour of riding is free of charge. Beyond the first hour, there is a charge with a maximum fee limit of 30 yuan per day.

Zheng Lanfang, a Taiwan resident who runs a hotel and restaurant near the "Fairy Well" scenic area in the city, became the first public bike card applicant right after the launch ceremony held on May 22.

Zheng Lanfang, a Taiwan resident working in Pingtan, shows her public bike card to a photographer. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"I specially came here to apply for the card after getting the news from one of my friends," said Zheng. "It is very convenient, and my children and I are able to pedal around the island using this program."