An Introduction of Cutting-Edge Approaches Taken by ANMC 21 Member Cities.
(2) From Taipei – The You Bike 微笑単車 and Aiming to Become an Environmentally Friendly City
Cycling is popular throughout the world, but now it is also seen as a progressive, cultural symbol of cities that take care of the environment. In Taiwan, thanks to cooperation between bicycle manufacturers and the enormous success of the movie "Island Etude," the cycling population is rapidly escalating, encompassing the young and old, men and women alike.
In Taipei, the "You Bike," a rental service offering bicycles for commuting, came into operation from March 2009, thanks to cooperation from Giant, a bicycle manufacturer.
Scene of a You Bike user. This is the "You Bike!" A "You Bike" logo is on the bicycle's basket
There are currently 500 "You Bikes" in operation, which can be borrowed from one of the 11 bicycle stations set up centering on the Sinyi District area, which includes such places as the Taipei 101 building and the Taipei Municipal Government office. Borrowing bicycles is fully automated through the use of an IC tag and bikes can be borrowed or returned 24 hours a day. Anybody at all, even travelers, can use the bicycles as long as they have an EASYCARD and Credit Card.
The bicycles have an orange base color, can be ridden by those at least 140 centimeters tall and have safety settings that make it possible for anybody at all to ride them. A dynamo automatically turns lights on, so the bikes can be used at night; they have chain locks and have been made using methods that sought to make them easily usable.
The "You Bikes" were introduced to make it easier to use public transport services such as the buses and mass rapid transit system. By promoting the use of public transport services, it will reduce the use of passenger vehicles or motorcycles. Taipei aims to become an environmentally friendly, low energy-use city and hopes to realize that goal if this new type of commuting style catches on.
Future Developments
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Give Taipei an image of being an environmentally friendly, cosmopolitan metropolis!
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A new style of tourism in Taipei
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Improve citizens' quality of life and their degree of satisfaction
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Cutting down on the use of cars and motorcycles will make the air cleaner and ease traffic congestion
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The "You Bike" system will encourage cycling
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Taipei will become the Recycling Capital of Taiwan!
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