800 bikes donated to promote green travel

A well-known Chinese philanthropist donated 800 bikes to a neighborhood in Beijing on Wednesday, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Li Chunping gave away the environment-friendly bikes, which are worth 240,000 yuan ($39,216), to the Shichahai subdistrict in Xicheng district, to promote green travel.

"As Beijing is heavily polluted, we can all contribute to green travel with less driving," said the 64-year-old philanthropist who arrived at the donation ceremony by bike. He also took a ride with local workers following the event.

The bikes Li donated have small front wheels and special seats that make riding more comfortable and energy-saving for cyclists, a health expert said.

Li is one of the most generous philanthropists in China, with donations amounting to 280 million yuan in the last two decades.