BEIJING: Beijing has launched a pilot subway service allowing passengers to carry bicycles on trains, as authorities respond to growing demand from cycling enthusiasts and cross-district commuters in the Chinese capital.

According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, the new service began on Sunday across 11 stations on four subway lines, including Line 6, Line 17, the Changping Line and the S1 Line.

Under the pilot programme, passengers can bring single-seat, non-electric bicycles with wheel sizes up to 28 inches onto subway trains during operating hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

Transport officials said the selected stations were chosen after consultations with local cycling groups and based on passenger flow, station capacity and access to popular cycling routes in suburban areas around Beijing.

Restrictions introduced for safety and operations

The pilot service costs 30 yuan per trip and includes travel for one passenger and one bicycle on participating lines. Tickets can be purchased through the “Yitongxing” mobile application used for Beijing’s rail transit system.

Authorities said electric bicycles and other powered vehicles are not allowed under the programme.

Passengers are also prohibited from transferring to non-pilot subway lines with bicycles or entering stations outside the designated pilot network.

The transport commission added that cycling, skating, blocking passenger pathways and obstructing emergency routes inside stations and trains would remain strictly prohibited.

The initiative reflects Beijing’s broader efforts to support urban cycling and improve integrated public transport options for commuters and recreational riders.