Shandong's district takes measures to enhance locals' well-being

A vehicle is parked at the bike sheds in Laiwu district, Jinan, Shandong province. [Photo by Qi Xingmei and Yu Yongjian/for chinadaily.com.cn]

In Laiwu district of Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong province, idle bike sheds have been repurposed to serve as community hubs. The initiative has garnered positive feedback from residents and vendors alike, enhancing both safety and convenience in the district.

At the entrance of the Laiwu Warfare Memorial Hall, numerous vendors recently arranged their stalls under the shade, offering a variety of goods such as fruits and vegetables. Residents passing by have expressed their appreciation for the centralized shopping location, emphasizing the newfound convenience and improved safety in the area.

This temporary community hub was established by the comprehensive administrative law enforcement bureau of Laiwu district by utilizing idle public bike parking sheds. Situated near residential areas, schools, and attractions, the community hub was previously a focal point for mobile vendors, causing traffic safety concerns and drawing complaints from residents. By engaging with the community and repurposing idle resources effectively, the bureau successfully created this temporary community hub without disrupting traffic flow or the cityscape.

Thanks to the bureau's efforts, there are currently 13 such temporary community hubs within the main urban area, all repurposed from idle public bike sheds. These hubs are equipped with clear signage for easy identification by vendors.

By repurposing these unused resources, the initiative not only revitalizes dormant assets but also effectively addresses the issue of disorderly mobile vending, catering to the daily needs of local residents and receiving unanimous praise from the community. (Edited by Yang Yi)