By Cheryl Clarke at HostelBookers
Getting people out of their cars and onto bikes has been a tried and tested solution for congested cities all over the world. Governments try various schemes to get commuters on to bikes but what about the millions of tourists? HostelBookers are on a campaign to get travellers on their bikes, to discover some of the largest cities in the world without polluting, or causing further congestion.
City Spotlight – Beijing
There are 9million bicycles in Beijing, so Katie Melua tells us. Well, however many there are, there are a lot. And cycling in Beijing is a rite of passage when visiting the city. Bike rentals start from around 10 yuan (€1) per day plus a cash deposit. The Chinese Government plans to roll out an official city-wide bike rental scheme by 2015 with 50,000 bikes to hire across the capital. As well as updating old cycle routes and increasing the amount of bike parking available.
Cycling is so popular in Beijing that locals with an entrepreneurial spirit are seen with roadside stalls offering puncture repairs, tyre changes and offers to fix up anything else wrong with your bike. Be prepared to pay around 5 yuan (€0.50) for the pleasure.
In Wangfujing you can even pay to get your bike guarded.
In 2010 the Beijing officials launched a campaign to get the people of Beijing on cycle routes and off congested roads. Twenty years ago 4/5 of the city’s population cycled to work, but now just 1/5 saddle up every day. Beijing is a flat city to cycle around but the availability and ease of use of cars, alongside the demolition of certain cycle routes has cast the potential of its urban form aside.
Cycle-friendly hostels in Beijing
Built on a 400-year-old historic site which once served as famous artist Mr Mei Lan Fang’s home, Beijing Si He Courtyard Hotel is just 10 minutes from the centre of Beijing. They have a free bike rental service, and Wangfujing Avenue, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are all nearby. Traditional guest rooms are positioned around a courtyard, and are decorated with antique furniture carved with ancient symbols. An airport service is provided – it’s free if you stay more than three nights – and you’ll get fresh fruits, flowers and coffee daily. If you’re feeling flush there’s a VIP room, otherwise there are executive and deluxe rooms for you to choose from. Private rooms start from €39.95pppn.
Set in an ancient palace from the 1500s the 3-star Beijing Perfect Inn is right in the centre of the city. Their bicycle rental service means you can check out the city on 2 wheels within minutes of arrival. You’ll start your day with an American breakfast (included in the price!) which should keep you going for the day! Rooms have large beds, a walk-in shower and separate bath tub, and incredible views across the city. They’re also impeccably designed and decorated in a contemporary design. If you’re too tired after all that cycling to make it out for the night there’s a restaurant downstairs serving great food and wines from around the world. Private rooms from €15.44pppn.
HostelBookers is the leading budget accommodation website in the travel industry not to apply a service charge and is, on average, 8.7% cheaper than its nearest competitor. It features over 20,000 hostels and cheap hotels in London and 3,500 destinations across the world.
Image courtesy of ajft on flickr
