Once the main local mode of transport for many Chinese - bicycles have long since been replaced by motor vehicles. But as the country moves towards a greener way of living, bikes are making a comeback.

Low carbon life on a bike ?

As cars idle in the bumper to bumper traffic, bikes are the only things moving. Riding on two wheels is a popular choice in Hangzhou. Public bikes were introduced to the city three years ago, and more and more people are using them.

A local resident said, "There are too many cars in the city now and parking is difficult. But it's convenient to use public bikes."

At the bicycle company, traffic flow is being closely monitored. Hangzhou's Public Bike Service rents to more than 200 thousand people everyday. The staff answers the hotline calls, examines the transport system, and reports faulty bikes.

Zhang Fumin, general manager of Hangzhou Public Bike Service, said, "Hangzhou runs one of the largest public bike systems in the world. We currently have more than two thousand bike stands. More and more people are choosing bikes over cars or buses, especially at rush hours, so it's common for bikes to run out at popular bike stands everyday. But in the future our operation will expand to meet the growing demand."

Now 60 thousand bikes around are also available to tourists. And that advantage: the scenery has been much appreciated. A tourist said, "The transport is better than in my hometown. There are bikes every few hundred meters here, and they cost so little."

The bikes are giving people a lot in Hangzhou, including a less polluted city.