The twin threat of traffic congestion and polluted air has long been a thorn in the side of China's city dwellers. With increasing numbers of cars causing gridlock on the roads, some city planners have begun exploring and developing the higher reaches of urban spaces.
The 7.6-kilometer-long lane is also the longest in the world to be built on raised platforms. It has 11 exits, connecting with six Bus Rapid Transit Stations, three overpasses and four buildings.
Cycling in the clouds. Once the preserve of sci-fi movies and people's imaginations. But for residents of the southern Chinese city of Xiamen, the opening of a new aerial bike lane has gone some way to making that fantasy come true.
The lane stretches over 7 kilometers across the upper reaches of the city, making it the longest elevated bike path in the world. It is designed to ease the city's heavy traffic congestion and air pollution. And after a two week trial period, the skyway proved a smash with local residents.
"Using this lane is both efficient and good for one's health. It avoids the traffic and saves time."
"Riding a bicycle can now be faster than taking a car. The lane is designed only for bikes, so there won't be any traffic jams which I worry about a lot when I take the bus."
The route was built under the city's Bus Rapid Transit line, sheltering cyclists from blazing sun and pouring rain.
With 11 exits, the two-way lane will be able to accommodate over 2,000 bikes an hour at peak times.
And what's more amazing, the gates will automatically close if there are too many riders.
The lane operators are also thinking of more ways to provide an even better service.
"Surveillance cameras have been installed along the route. We are planning to build a broadcasting system on the lane as well, which could help our management prevent improper behavior from occurring," Wei Jianlong, Staff with Xiamen Aerial Bike Lane Service Center, said.
The idea for the aerial lane came from a somewhat unlikely source around nine years ago, when a group of middle school students proposed the plan in an innovation contest.
Proof that sometimes a little inspiration can go a long way.
The 7.6-kilometer-long lane is also the longest in the world to be built on raised platforms. It has 11 exits, connecting with six Bus Rapid Transit Stations, three overpasses and four buildings.
