Residents in Linfen now have a new choice of transportation, with the launch of a public bicycle project at an initiation ceremony held on Nov 16.

More than 2,000 bikes have been put into service at 70 different locations. They are available to locals who apply special rental cards with a valid identification document at seven service stations throughout the city, including on Yaoxiao Street and Wuyi Road.

The public bike project is divided into two phases. Linfen plans to establish 183 public bicycle stops equipped with 6,615 bicycle locks and put 5,055 bikes into use. Supporting facilities, such as 20 service centers and maintenance workshops, will also be set up. Later, the scale will be expanded to 585 stops and some 17,200 bicycles.

It is expected to benefit local citizens, as well as improve public transport and the environment. Once the first phase is finished, the project should cut carbon dioxide emissions by 146,600 tons while also cutting 4,410 tons of sulfur dioxide emissions each year.

A ceremony launches a public bicycle project on Nov 16 in Linfen, Shanxi province. Some 2,000 public bikes will be available at 70 service stations throughout Linfen. It is the first time that the city has offered a public bike service.[Photo/sx.people.com.cn]

Liu Yuqiang, mayor of Linfen, rides a bicycle after the launching ceremony. [Photo/sx.people.com.cn]