To promote more environment-friendly modes of transport and to reduce car traffic and air pollution a bicycle-lending programme, known as Ecobici, has been launched in Mexican capital.

Mexico's capital is home to nearly 19 million people and more than 5 million vehicles and Mexico City is one of the most congested and polluted cities in the world.

Mexico City is surrounded by smog and generates 9.1 percent of the country's carbon dioxide emissions though air pollution has been reduced from the levels registered in the 1990s.

With bikes available for 30-minute loans to members who pay a 300-peso ($23) annual fee, the first phase of Ecobici will provide 1,114 bicycles at 85 stations.

Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard said at the ceremony Tuesday to unveil the programme, " Just as in other cities, like Barcelona, EcoBici is a project that seeks to recover public spaces,

improve people's quality of life and, of course, help protect the environment."

An electronic card that allows them to borrow a bicycle, use it and later return it to a station will be allotted to EcoBici members.

The mayor further said that the members exceeding the 30-minute limit will be required to pay 35 pesos (nearly $3),

With the goal being to connect the metropolis with the neighbouring cities of Toluca, Pachuca and Cuernavaca, Mexico City officials plan to build a bicycle lane along the Metrobus Line 3 route

this year. (With Input from Agencies)