Over 500 bicycles available for hire on demand via smartphone app have been dumped in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Bike-sharing schemes from companies such as Ofo and Mobike have been promoted across the country as a means of combatting pollution and traffic jams. However, some users have chosen to abandon the bikes when they have finished using them. As a result, there have been calls for greater regulation and safety standards within the sector. The incident occurred at around 1pm local time yesterday (May 24) near the city’s central bus station.
Over 500 bicycles available for hire on demand via smartphone app have been dumped in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Bike-sharing schemes from companies such as Ofo and Mobike have been promoted across the country as a means of combatting pollution and traffic jams. However, some users have chosen to abandon the bikes when they have finished using them. As a result, there have been calls for greater regulation and safety standards within the sector. At present, just 12% of Chinese commuters cycle to work, down from 63% in 1980.