A New Option for Shanghai's Night Riders
The Huangpu River, which divides Shanghai's Puxi and Pudong districts, has long presented a challenge for electric bike riders after dark. While ferry services operate during the day, they shut down overnight, leaving riders with limited and costly transportation options. Some have even resorted to trespassing on motor vehicle-only bridges or tunnels to cross the river.
Recognizing this challenge, the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission has been exploring ways to allow e-bikes to use the city's cross-river tunnels. As part of these efforts, a pilot program has been launched, allowing electric bicycles to travel through the upper deck of the Fuxing East Road Tunnel during nighttime hours.
This initiative marks a significant step forward for Shanghai's slow-traffic transportation system. From 11 pm to 5 am, e-bike riders can now utilize the tunnel, providing a safe and convenient option for late-night commutes. This is particularly beneficial for delivery workers and chauffeur service providers, who often work during these hours.
The Fuxing East Road Tunnel was chosen for the pilot program due to its two-deck design, which allows for the separation of motorized and non-motorized traffic. Additionally, the tunnel experiences relatively low traffic volume at night, making it an ideal location for the program.
During the designated nighttime hours, e-bike riders are required to maintain a speed limit of 15 kilometers per hour. Other vehicles and pedestrians are prohibited from using the upper deck for safety reasons.
The pilot program's success on its first night, with 489 e-bikes using the tunnel, suggests that it could pave the way for additional cross-river slow-traffic routes to open at night. This would provide much-needed relief for e-bike riders and further enhance Shanghai's transportation infrastructure.
5 Comments
Karamba
This is only a temporary solution. What will happen when the pilot program ends?
Matzomaster
This is a good use of existing infrastructure. The Fuxing East Road Tunnel is already there, so it makes sense to use it for this purpose.
Rotfront
This is a safety hazard. The tunnel is not designed for e-bikes and there is no infrastructure in place to support them.
BuggaBoom
This is a short-sighted solution. The government should be thinking about long-term solutions to the city's transportation problems.
Katchuka
This is a way to give back to the community. The money generated from the pilot program can be used to improve other aspects of the city's transportation infrastructure.