Policy digest

Bike-sharing services to be regulated

China issued its first guideline on Thursday to regulate bike-sharing services, which impose challenges concerning urban management, according to the notice jointly issued by the Ministry of Transport and nine other departments. Shared bikes are part of the green urban transportation system, and the government should optimize bike transportation networks to improve convenience and safety for riders, the guideline said. Local governments should also research conditions to ensure rational allocation of bicycles and avoid excess supply in some areas, the document said.

Bike-sharing providers should improve their online-to-offline services, make clear the modes and standards of payment, establish a complaint mechanism and buy accident insurance for their customers, the regulation said. Users are required to register with their real names and sign service agreements. In addition, bike-sharing companies are prohibited from offering services to children younger than 12.