TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Starting July 1, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan will implement a point system targeting YouBike riders who violate traffic rules, aimed at creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment. This system will discourage cycling in arcades and impose suspensions on repeat offenders.
Transportation officials from the three cities promoted this new initiative on Thursday (June 27) at the Far Eastern SOGO Taipei Zhongxiao Store (遠東SOGO台北忠孝館), emphasizing the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety.
Point-inducing violations include riding on arcades, ignoring traffic signals, moving against traffic, and failing to yield to pedestrians. Additional infractions involve using a phone while cycling or carrying passengers. Accumulating three points within a year leads to a 14-day suspension; seven points result in a one-year suspension.
According to the Department of Transportation, complaints and accidents involving bicycles on sidewalks have risen over the last three years. Officials urged cyclists to walk their bikes through arcades, avoid aggressively using bells, and stick to designated lanes. Non-compliance will lead to penalties.
Furthermore, cyclists found under the influence of alcohol or drugs face a two-year suspension, during which all registered cards under the violator’s account are blocked from renting YouBikes across the nation.
Residents can report violations by sending photos or videos of the infraction along with the bike number through the 1999 complaint system. The Department of Transportation will then process these reports, attribute points, and notify violators by text.