According to Xinhua the new bicycles will be available in Beijing at 230 outlets near subways stations, commercial districts, Olympic venues, hotels and office buildings, as well as in large communities.

Beijing Bicycle Rental Services, Beijing Environment Protect Bureau as well as the anti-theft arm of the municipal public security bureau are sponsoring the “rent a bike” program.

So far 5,000 bicycles are available at 30 franchise outlets in the city and the program will be expanded before next August to cover major communities and all the Olympic venues.