In this story
BROMPTON folding bicycles beside a display window.
BROMPTON folding bicycles beside a display window. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

In a fast-moving city, it is easy to overlook what is close at hand. That summer, local culture collective Zaidi Wenhua and the British folding bicycle brand BROMPTON launched a bicycle rental programme, inviting people to rediscover freedom and adventure in their own city.

BROMPTON city riding by the river.
BROMPTON city riding by the river. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

From 7 to 31 August, visitors could borrow a Brompton C Line at two Zaidi Wenhua spaces, CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli and ok center, and set out on a ride through the city.

The entrance to ok center.
The entrance to ok center. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Folding bicycles at CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli.
Folding bicycles at CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

Before the rental programme began, a community event on 6 August would open the project: “LOCAL MORE THAN RIDE — Assemble After the Ride.” Following a specially designed route, participants would take part in a city collage game and discover distinctive scenes tucked away in the neighbourhood.

“Every participant will receive a small gift provided by BROMPTON after the event.”

The project was about more than riding. It offered a chance to experience BROMPTON’s idea of “the future of the city bicycle” and a different way to explore urban life. Whether moving through busy streets or quiet parks, the bicycle’s portability and agility would support the journey.

A rider looks towards the city across the river.
A rider looks towards the city across the river. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Combining a folding bicycle with public transport.
Combining a folding bicycle with public transport. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Poster for “Assemble After the Ride.”
Poster for “Assemble After the Ride.” Visual design: Zaidi Wenhua. Image: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article.

Assemble After the Ride

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Event time: Sunday, 6 August 2023, at 15:00.

Locations: CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli, Portal, Song of the White Bird, LPS Local Park and ok center.

The city route starting at Erdingli.
The city route starting at Erdingli. Visual design: Zaidi Wenhua. Image: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article.
A group rides along a city street.
A group rides along a city street. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

Event guidance from the original announcement

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Safety first: participants should follow traffic regulations and safety requirements, wear a helmet correctly, and maintain an appropriate speed and distance from others.

Follow the event rules: observe the organisers’ instructions on meeting times, routes and riding order, and communicate and cooperate with fellow participants.

Bring your own equipment: a suitable helmet, water bottle and backpack were required; the backpack would be used for the event’s tasks. Participants were asked to prepare before riding.

BROMPTON and urban commuting.
BROMPTON and urban commuting. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Folding and carrying a bicycle on the street.
Folding and carrying a bicycle on the street. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

Disclaimer in the original announcement

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Participation was free, but required signing an event agreement. Participants were asked to understand the risks involved in cycling. The organisers would purchase accident insurance for the day and hoped everyone could take part safely.

Participants were asked to read and follow the guidance before the event so that it could proceed smoothly and safely.

Let us enjoy riding through the city together, explore its beauty and character, and meet along the way.

A folding bicycle beneath the trees.
A folding bicycle beneath the trees. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Details of a BROMPTON frame and saddle.
Details of a BROMPTON frame and saddle. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Sequence from the original moving image · 1/3.
Sequence from the original moving image · 1/3. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Sequence from the original moving image · 2/3.
Sequence from the original moving image · 2/3. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Sequence from the original moving image · 3/3.
Sequence from the original moving image · 3/3. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

The bicycle’s appearance and performance draw attention while expressing personal style.

Its compactness, convenience and agility make each ride feel open and effortless.

The BROMPTON bicycle rental experience

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The rental programme by Zaidi Wenhua and BROMPTON expressed a shared belief in bicycles as sustainable transport: a faster, healthier and more environmentally considerate way to get around. Through continuing innovation and careful craftsmanship, BROMPTON aims to improve urban cycling and make the bicycle part of the city’s future.

The programme offered classic BROMPTON folding bicycles at CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli and ok center from 7 to 31 August. Availability was limited, with no reservations and bicycles allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

City Ride bicycle-rental display.
City Ride bicycle-rental display. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
BROMPTON bicycles inside the shop.
BROMPTON bicycles inside the shop. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
A BROMPTON in its folded state.
A BROMPTON in its folded state. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
Shop displays and an orange folding bicycle.
Shop displays and an orange folding bicycle. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.
An orange bicycle at Erdingli.
An orange bicycle at Erdingli. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

Bicycle information in the original article

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BROMPTON folding bicycle.

Weight: generally 11–13 kg, depending on configuration and materials.

Folded size: compact enough to carry and store in an office, flat or on public transport, at approximately 585 × 565 × 270 mm.

Gearing: the original article described two-, three- and six-speed options, allowing riders to choose according to their needs and preferences.

How borrowing worked at the time

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Visit Zaidi Wenhua · CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli at 19 Peizheng Xinheng Road, Yuexiu District, or Zaidi Wenhua · ok center at 1 Jiangling North, Yuexiu District.

  • Tell a member of staff and choose a bicycle.
  • Bring identification to register the loan.
  • Pay a deposit of RMB 1,000 per day, refunded on return, with no additional charge.
  • Enjoy a city ride.

Shop information recorded in the 2023 article: CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli, 19 Peizheng Xinheng Road, Yuexiu District, open 12:00–20:00 and closed on Tuesdays; ok center, 1 Jiangling North, Yuexiu District, open 11:00–20:00. These are historical details from 2023.

That summer, the invitation was to enjoy city riding and the freedom of moving through its streets. Readers were encouraged to contact or visit the participating shops in advance to try the bicycle.

Riding along a tree-lined road.
Riding along a tree-lined road. Images: original CAMPsomeWHERE WeChat article; no individual photographer credit was listed.

Project credits

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Event planning: Zaidi Wenhua.

Visual design and copy: Zaidi Wenhua.

Product sponsorship: Brompton.

Venue support: CAMPsomeWHERE@Erdingli, ok center, Portal, LPS Local Park and Song of the White Bird.

Editorial reference

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BROMPTON’s official support information for earlier bicycles was used to check folded dimensions. Bicycle configurations, events, shop details and rental arrangements retain the context of the 2023 article and do not describe current specifications or opening information.

Read the original WeChat article