SHENZHEN Metro has launched a pilot “weekend biker-friendly service” program on lines 2/8, 6, and Line 6’s spur line. The initiative aims to make it easier for cycling enthusiasts to travel with their bikes on the Metro, directly connecting them to some of the city’s most popular cycling routes. How the service works The service is designed around a simple, user-friendly model to ensure a smooth experience for all passengers. Special packaging and designated areas: Cyclists must place their bikes in special protective bags, which will be provided and secured by Metro staff at the point of entry. Riders with bikes must use designated train cars. One-ticket system: A flat fare of 35 yuan (US$4.9) covers both the rider and the bike. Reservation required: To manage capacity, all cyclists must book their trip in advance. Reservations can be made by calling the Shenzhen Metro customer service hotline at 8896-0600. Individual riders must book at least one working day in advance, while groups need to book three working days ahead. Stations offering the service Line 6: Connects riders to popular cycling destinations via the following stations: Guangming (光明站), Honghuashan (紅花山站), Hongshan (紅山站), Sports Center (體育中心站), and Science Museum (科學館站) These stations provide access to scenic routes near Fun Farm, the Maozhou River Greenway, and the Zuo’an Science and Technology Park. Line 2/8: Provides convenient access to coastal and mountain areas from these stations: Houhai (后海站), Futian (福田站), Wutong Mountain South (梧桐山南站), and Dameisha (大梅沙站) This route makes it easy for cyclists to explore the coastal boardwalk, which offers stunning vistas of Shenzhen’s famous mountain-sea scenery. According to Shenzhen Metro Group, the selected Metro lines provide direct access to scenic greenways and recreational areas, solving the “first/last mile” problem of how cyclists can get from home to the start of a trail and making it significantly easier to embark on cross-district riding adventures entirely via public transport. Weekends were chosen for the pilot due to the greater availability of space in train carriages, allowing the service to run without impacting peak-hour commuters.(Li Jing) | 