Bikes have grown in popularity in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou due to the convenience it offers commuters. (Photo : Getty Images)
Shanghai lawmakers and policy advisers have called on bike-sharing startups, cyclists, and the government to provide a concrete plan on how to deal with illegal bike parking in the city, China Daily reported.
“Bike-sharing operators should take the initiative to discuss with local government authorities where the bikes can be parked and where they can’t,” said Wang Rulu, a member of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, in one of the annual sessions held last Jan. 15.
“Moreover, users must register with real names when using the bikes and those who violate parking regulations must be punished.”
Bikes have grown in popularity in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou due to the convenience it offers commuters. However, what the bike-sharing startups failed to foresee is the illegal parking dilemma it has created. Designated areas for parking easily become full, causing commuters to park on the pavement or motor vehicle lanes.
“Their illegal parking has caused inconvenience for pedestrians and hindered traffic safety,” said Wang.
Although certain suggestions have been put forward by involved parties, the solutions tend to be short-term. Ideal regulations should be for the long-term, according to Wang, who also works as the chief engineer at Shanghai Metro Maintenance and Support Co.
“We need a solution sometime soon as the number of hired bikes will continue to increase in the near future.”
For now, bike-sharing operators such as Mobike, Bluegogo, and Ofo are collaborating with the relevant authorities to come up with solutions to solve illegal bike parking, not just in Shanghai, but in other cities affected. This includes adding illegal parking violations in the credit records of offenders.
“Every user must obey the public transport regulations,” said Jiang Xiaoqing, a municipal legislator and deputy director of Shanghai Media Group, a radio news center.
