A new style of green mobility: city bikes to see smart upgrades by 2025
April 8, 2025

As global climate change becomes increasingly serious, low-carbon mobility has become a core issue in urban development. 2025 will see a new wave of green mobility in many Chinese cities through policy support and technological innovation, upgrading the bicycle from a traditional means of transportation to an important part of the “smart city transportation network”.

Enabled by intelligent technology, cycling experience upgraded again

At the beginning of this year, Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and other first-tier cities launched the fourth generation of shared bicycle system. The new models are equipped with Internet of Things chips, real-time navigation displays and health monitoring sensors, which allow users to plan the best riding routes through the cell phone APP, and view real-time data on calorie consumption, air quality, etc. Some vehicles are also equipped with solar charging panels. Some of the vehicles are also equipped with solar charging panels, which can wirelessly charge cell phones and other devices to meet the diversified needs of the public.

In addition, the popularization of AI smart lock completely solves the problem of “difficult to find a car”. The system predicts the peak of car use in each area through big data analysis, dynamic scheduling vehicle distribution, core business district turnover efficiency increased by 40%. Ms. Wang, a Hangzhou resident, said: “Now commuting by bicycle is faster than taking a taxi, but also to avoid congested roads, even the traffic light waiting time will be displayed on the handlebar screen.”

Policy escort: bike lane expansion and parking facilitation

In order to encourage bicycle travel, a number of cities have launched “Bicycle Friendly City” programs in 2025. For example, Beijing announced that it will add 300 kilometers of bike lanes within the year, with a focus on connecting metro stations and office areas, while Guangzhou has created a “bike highway” along the Pearl River, equipped with awnings and smart streetlights, which will become a new landmark for citizens' recreation and fitness.

At the same time, the government and enterprises have cooperated to launch the “stakeless parking 2.0” model, through the electronic fence technology to delineate the virtual parking area, and regulate the parking of vehicles. Those who park illegally will face penalties such as deduction of credit points or upward fluctuation of cycling fees, which significantly improves the efficiency of cityscape management.

Win-win for both environmental protection and economic benefits

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in 2024, the carbon emissions reduced by bicycling will be equivalent to planting 120 million trees. The “Carbon Points Redemption” activity of bike-sharing enterprises has also attracted the participation of more than 5 million users, and the cycling mileage can be exchanged for coffee coupons, subway discounts and other incentives, forming a virtuous cycle of environmental protection.

Economists have pointed out that the intelligent upgrading of the bicycle industry chain has also given rise to new forms of employment. From vehicle research and development, operation and maintenance scheduling to big data analysis, the number of related jobs has increased threefold compared with 2020, becoming a new growth point for the urban economy.

Future Prospects: Cycling Culture Integrated into the City's DNA

“Bicycle is not only a means of transportation, but also represents a sustainable lifestyle.” Li Qiang, a spokesman for the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, emphasized at a recent conference that by 2026, more than 95% of the nation's urban built-up areas will be fully covered by cycling road networks, and that a seamless “bicycle + public transportation + walking” model will be explored.

Nowadays, from early morning commuters to families riding on weekends, the flow of bicycles on city streets is redefining the pulse of modern cities. In this green transformation, everyone is a participant and beneficiary of a low-carbon future.