Bike- sharing deserves more attention
Recently, there has been much criticism aimed at bicyclesharing program. For example, it is reported that shared bikes have been banned on 10 streets in Beijing’s Xicheng District. In addition, negative public opinions about shared bicycles, including criticisms toward random parking of bicycles and the unreasonable use of deposits, are not in the minority.
Similar initiatives have also been implemented by local governments. For example, red and white public bicycles have been launched for many years in Beijing. However, it seems that people are more tolerant toward public bicycle program launched by the government while critical of shared bicycles offered by private enterprises.
The popularity of shared bicycles should not be underestimated. First, shared bikes are more widely used than cars and taxis, and are as frequently used as public transportations. Second, it is not reasonable that government initiatives are considered to be public service while public projects provided by enterprises are not. Although shared bikes are launched by companies, for most people, they are just like public services aimed to improve our health and livelihood.
Some people say that the future of shared bicycles will head down the same path as taxi- hailing apps. This is not true. The purpose of taxi- hailing apps is to provide an alternative transport method for people taking buses and the subway. Bicycle- sharing, on the other hand, encourages people to move from cars, which can cause traffic congestion, to public transportation, such as metro and bicycles, which is more convenient and conforms to public interests. Therefore, our government should encourage the development of shared bicycles.
The public- private partnerships ( PPPs) model should be promoted as a new way of offering public service via cooperation between government and enterprises. Since it emphasizes publicprivate partnership, the rules should not be solely determined by the government, but must be made through discussion and consultation among users, bicycle enterprises, experts and the government.
In order to better promote bicyclesharing program, government, enterprises and users should assume their respective responsibilities. The government should guide, serve and manage. “Guide” means enhancing public service quality of bicycle- sharing system and implementing changes to the city traffic. “Serve” means designing systematic city bike strategy and providing space and right of way for bike riders. “Manage” means coming up with solutions to the disorganized bicycle parking.
Enterprises should realize the social impact of their business actions. If not handled properly, it will have negative effects on society. For example, there are too many shared bicycles on the streets. In addition, the quality of shared bicycles should be improved as their frequent usage requires strong durability. In addition, enterprises should pay more attention to business operation, such as doing more research into the local conditions.
Bicycle- sharing program is a part of a credit economy. Users should pay more attention to integrity and accumulate consumer credit during the procedure of using, returning and managing the bikes. Whether cycling or parking, consumers should conform to users’ standards. While paying attention to their own behavior, customers are also encouraged to correct other’s misbehaviors.