Currently, there are two application offices where users can apply for the public bike cards. Each user is required to register using his or her ID card or "Haxiatong" card, a public transportation card available to both residents from the mainland and Taiwan. In order to prevent deliberate damage of public property, a deposit of 299 yuan is required.

The first hour of riding is free of charge. Beyond the first hour, there is a charge with a maximum fee limit of 30 yuan per day.

Zheng Lanfang, a Taiwan resident who runs a hotel and restaurant near the "Fairy Well" scenic area in the city, became the first public bike card applicant right after the launch ceremony held on May 22.

Zheng Lanfang, a Taiwan resident working in Pingtan, shows her public bike card to a photographer. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"I specially came here to apply for the card after getting the news from one of my friends," said Zheng. "It is very convenient, and my children and I are able to pedal around the island using this program."