JUMPING on a bicycle to get to your destination instead of driving or taking the Metro is now going to be a lot easier with the launch of a new green transport scheme.

After a four-month trial run in Xuhui District, a new bicycle hire service made a well-received debut over the weekend, coinciding with the celebration of Earth Day.

Beijing Mobike Technology Co’s “Mobike” service will eventually be expanded right across the city, offering about 50,000 bicycles, the company said. So far there are about 1,000 of the special bicycles available, mainly in Xuhui District and some other central areas.