Dedicated bike lane raises hopes for easier commute

Beijing's first dedicated bike lane will open this month to connect a northern residential area of the city to the high-tech business sector. It will also help ease traffic congestion, local authorities said on Thursday.

The 6.5-kilometer lane has barriers to prevent vehicles from entering, as well as sections running over and under major highways to help ensure the free flow of cyclists.

Wang Qiang, deputy director of the city's development and reform commission, said it was the first bicycle lane in the country built for people cycling to work.