The Miaoli County Government is encouraging residents to use public bicycles more frequently. On September 16, Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-Chin launched more than 100 public bicycle stations for the YouBike 2.0 system in Miaoli County. A total of 102 stations have been set up in Nanzhuang Township, Sanyi Township, Miaoli City, Toufen City, Zhunan Township, Houlong Township, Yuanli Township, Tongxiao Township, and Gongguan Township. The Magistrate also announced plans to expand YouBike stations to Sanwan Township, Zaoqiao Township, and Tongluo Township, with a long-term goal of 200 stations. The system aims to improve commuting and travel convenience for locals and attract domestic and international tourists to explore Miaoli by bike by offering a unique travel experience.
The Public Works Department, Miaoli County Government, and the team from YouBike are working diligently to expand the public bicycle station network. To date, six stations have been set up in Nanzhuang Township, 10 in Sanyi Township, 22 in Miaoli City, 20 in Toufen City, 19 in Zhunan Township, seven in Houlong Township, 10 in Yuanli Township, five in Tongxiao Township, and three in Gongguan Township, totaling 102 now operational stations and bringing the total number of YouBike stations in the county to 169.
In Nanzhuang and Sanyi, both designated as "slow cities," public bicycles are equipped with electric-assist models to help riders navigate the hilly terrain, providing an energy-saving option for short-distance travel. Visitors can also use public bikes to explore local cultural attractions and discover regional delicacies. The Culture and Tourism Bureau of Miaoli County has rolled out three promotional campaigns: offering discounts at partnering local shops, hosting giveaways on social media, and gifting small souvenirs with the purchase of a Fun Pass.
According to the Public Works Department, fares for YouBike 2.0 are as follows: standard bikes cost NT$10 per 30 minutes for the first four hours, NT$20 per 30 minutes for 4-8 hours, and NT$40 per 30 minutes for eight hours and over. The rates for YouBike 2.0E electric-assist bikes are NT$20 per 30 minutes for the first two hours, and NT$40 per 30 minutes for two hours and over. To encourage more people to use public bicycles, the county is continuing to offer a NT$10 subsidy for the first 30 minutes of each ride throughout the year.
Magistrate Chung noted that while Sanyi and Nanzhuang are designated as "slow cities," the mountainous terrain can make cycling challenging. With the introduction of YouBike 2.0E, visitors can now easily tour key attractions and discover local delicacies and souvenirs with less effort. Following the launch of 100 stations, expansion plans will proceed for Tongluo, Sanwan, and Zaoqiao. The Magistrate also urged township and city mayors to regularly inspect road conditions, especially along routes frequented by tourists, to ensure optimal riding safety.
The Culture and Tourism Bureau announced that visitors can receive a special YouBike 2.0 commemorative iPass by purchasing a Fun Pass and their YouBike ride record at the Miaoli YouBike Service Center. Over 50 partnering stores in Sanyi and Nanzhuang are also celebrating the launch of the 100 stations by offering discounts to customers with their YouBike ride records between September 16 and December 31, 2024. Extra promotions include giveaways on the Miaoli Travel and YouBike Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Facebook pages, where participants can like, comment, or share photos of themselves at attractions in Sanyi or Nanzhuang for a chance to win exciting prizes. For further event information, visit the official Culture and Tourism Bureau of Miaoli County website or the Miaoli Travel and YouBike Taoyuan-Hsinchu-Miaoli Facebook pages.