Cardif, an insurance arm of BNP Paribas, sponsors a two-year partnership of the YouBike, the first public bicycle system in Taipei, Taiwan.

Launched in the framework of Taipei city government’s  ‘Building a Green City’ project, YouBike is an example of environment friendly and accessible public policy.  Cardif, a “Taipei YouBike Environment Friendly Partner”, sponsors the initiative as part of its commitment to the improvement of the quality of life of local community.

YouBike started its first operation on March 11, 2009.  At the beginning, only 5 stations operated within the Xin-Yi, the most busy financial district in downtown Taipei.  After the test run period of one month ends, a total of 500 YouBikes will be operational in 11 stations within the Xin-Yi district.

Inspired by the “Velib” in Paris, the public bike system can not only help to reduce CO2 emission by providing a cheap and convenient short-distance commute instrument but also help to emphasize to all citizens and tourists that Taiwan is No.1 in bike manufacturing in terms of volume and quality.

The Giant, Taiwan’s leader  in bike manufacturing, is responsible for the birth of YouBike. It worked on the project from head to toe, as well as for the YouBike’s Kiosk system. The system is compatible with the existing EasyCard in circulation (called YoYoCard in Mandarin). This means that people can use the same card to take the metro (MRT), bus, and even to rent a bike. 

The YouBike project also promotes the idea of “sharing ”. Short-term rent and return is encouraged so that the greatest number of people who need a bike could get a chance to access the service. 

Hopefully,  the concept will inspire other people and have an impact on  public transportation facilities in Taipei, promoting “respect” and “courtesy”. 

YouBike not only embodies environmental protection, but in perspective, it could become the beginning of the revolution of Taipei citizens’ commute culture.