(TITC)- Responding to World Bicycle Day (3 June) and World Environment Day (5 June), on 2 June, Hoi An City People's Committee collaborated with German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and HealthBridge Canada in Viet Nam held the launching ceremony of the pilot bicycle sharing programme in order to use environmentally friendly vehicles in Hoi An Ancient Town – World Heritage Site.
The event attracted the participation of representative of the provincial authorities, local residents, tourists, bike clubs in city.
With the theme “Air pollution and our actions” and “Cycling for Hoi An: A safe – Friendly – Connect City”, many activities were organized including: cycling parade; awarding medal to Hoi An City’s Cycling Ambassador; introducing bicycle sharing programme in Hoi An; opening pilot safe road for bicycle; introducing game that helps participants to explore public bicycle parking stations.
The pilot bicycle sharing programme will last for three months. In June 2019, there are 100 bicycles and 11 parking stations. The numbers of bicycles and parking stations will reach to 160 and 21 in July 2019. All bicycles are equipped with the Global Positioning System (GPS) and QR code locks connected to a mobile application.
After 30 minutes using free, they have to pay VND20,000 for another hour through an e-pay system. If someone has no smart phone, they can buy a ticket for this service at one of the QIQ agencies in Hoi An.
Hoi An City will open a pilot safe road for bicycles at Hai Ba Trung street connecting An Bang Beach to the old town. Besides, there are plans to open bicycle stations and electric bicycles, gradually increase the proportion of people using bicycle in Hoi An, from the current 4% to 40% by 2025.
According to Mr. Tong Quoc Hung, Vice Director of Hoi An Culture, Sports and Tourism Department, the bicycle sharing system will contribute to environmental protection against climate change, raising awareness of local people and international tourists about the benefits of cycling.
Bicycle sharing model was launched by Hoi An City People's Committee aiming to reduce the number of motor vehicles in the city, reduce traffic jam, improve air environment. This is one of the activities to build Hoi An into a "Bicycle City".
Hong Thanh