Kilong unveils two-river, two-sea cycling route with shared bikes

On October 3, 2024, the streets of Keelung played host to a unique campaign event blending political and transportation issues. Democratic Progressive Party mayoral candidate Tung Tzu-wei and Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim rode YouBike public bicycles together for the first time, officially introducing the shared-bike concept to this port city. This was more than just a casual ride; it was a practical demonstration of Tung's "Two Rivers, Two Seas" bicycle route project and a symbol of Keelung's new starting point in green transportation transformation.

Tung has served as a Keelung City Councilor since 2008, during which time he spearheaded multiple initiatives for public space improvement and transportation convenience. For his mayoral campaign, he has centered his platform on the "Two Rivers, Two Seas" project, proposing to connect Keelung's two major water systems—the Tamsui River and Keelung Harbor—to create a comprehensive green bicycle network. This route would not only promote healthy living among citizens but also attract tourists to experience Keelung's coastal scenery, further boosting local economic development. Tung pledged that if elected, he would immediately promote the introduction of shared vehicles, making Keelung one of the first cities in Taiwan to feature a unified public bicycle system.

Currently, Keelung's shared bicycle market is relatively fragmented, relying mainly on private rentals and lacking a unified rental platform and charging infrastructure. This often leaves citizens opting for private cars or buses for short commutes or sightseeing when they cannot find available bicycles, leading to traffic congestion and air pollution. Tung's proposal not only resolves the convenience of bicycle rentals but also provides a concrete foundation for Keelung's low-carbon transportation model. Partnering with the central government's YouBike system would help increase rental rates and optimize parking station layouts through data analysis, reducing idle vehicles and parking disorder.

At the Keelung Harbor pier, Hsiao and Tung set off together, riding along the coastline with stops at tourist attractions to take photos and interact with members of the public. Vice President Hsiao shared the itinerary on social media, stating, "I am very happy to experience shared bicycles in Keelung, and I hope there will be more opportunities to ride here again in the future." This move not only highlighted the Vice President's attention to local transportation issues but also injected national-level support and exposure into Tung's campaign.

The ride not only enhanced Tung's approachable image but also sent a clear signal to voters that Keelung is set to become a bicycle-friendly city. Keelung has already begun prioritizing the construction of bicycle lanes in past transportation reforms, and this joint ride with the Vice President demonstrates the willingness of both central and local governments to cooperate on green transportation. If elected, Tung will have the opportunity to achieve breakthroughs in shared vehicles, green transportation, and urban beautification, further enhancing the quality of life for citizens and the city's overall competitiveness.

(Source: Central News Agency)