Thousands Return to Pedal Power

GUANGZHOU, China (August 11) - Tens of thousands of residents in the capital of South China's Guangdong Province are getting back on their bikes. They are turning to pedal power again as the city plans to phase out its 320,000 motorcycles by the end of 2006, which are seen as the cause of pollution and frequent traffic jams. Instead of turning to automobiles, still regarded as a luxury by low-income residents, which make up the majority of the city's population, many tend to use bicycles as their means of getting from A to B. Motorbikes have been banned in the non-rush hour period starting from May 1 in some of the city's major roads and downtown areas. At the same time, many local residents, including students and workers, are buying their bicycles on the second-hand bicycle market, or the so-called "black market." Second-hand bicycles, which are often stolen from their original owners and sold at the "black market," cost no more than 100 yuan (US$12), less expensive than new ones. Local experts and officials have warned residents not to buy such stolen bikes, to help curb thefts. (MH)