Danang pilots 600 smart public bicycles

The central coastal city of Danang plans to open 61 stations with 600 bicycles for public use to limit the use of personal motor vehicles and reduce pollution towards a green and sustainable transport system.

The municipal Department of Transport said the public bicycle stations will open before March 29.

According to the plan, Danang will open 61 stations across five districts, of which Hai Chau will have 32 stations, Thanh Khe five, Son Tra 16, Ngu Hanh Son five, and Cam Le three.

The locations of the stations are designed to connect the public transport system near tourist attractions, protecting the urban landscape, not obstructing pedestrians, and ensuring traffic safety. Each bike will be fitted with an ID card, a smart lock, a locator, a charger and a solar collector.

Charges are paid in proportion to the time of vehicle use (in hours or days). Online payments can be made via e-wallets Zalopay, MoMo, Payoo, etc. Prices will range from VND5,000 per 30 minutes, and VND50,000 per day not exceeding 7.5 hours.

The eye-catching bikes have been designed to be durable and suitable for both men and women of all ages and sizes. They have anti-theft locks for handlebars, saddles, wheels, and chains.

Bui Hong Trung, director of Danang's Department of Transport, said that after one year of piloting public bicycles, the city's People's Committee will consider expanding the model if the service is effective.

Ho Chi Minh City launched a pilot system of public bikes in December 2021. In the first phase, the city installed 43 parking stations with 388 bikes. The stations, about 200-500 meters away from each other, are near public transport points like bus stations, schools and hospitals.

Last September, Hanoi announced plans to study the possibility of bicycle lanes being part of infrastructure development, a step the capital city has not taken to date. This was mentioned in the city’s 2022-2025 plan to implement a government resolution on ensuring traffic order and safety.