Bike traffic
You know that stock CNN video footage that shows the popularity of bicycles in China, usually Beijing, with all those people nearly identically dressed on nearly identical bikes, waiting together at the traffic light and then all moving orderly en masse when the light goes green?
Shenzhen is nothing like that.
(Randy says Beijing isn't really like that either, but it is crazier here).
The sidewalks in Shekou have these every 10 meters or so.
These would be a good idea if they were observed. The most daring cyclists stay on the road, risking life and limb against the unpredictable movements of taxis and buses. On the sidewalks you might not only encounter regular bikes, but mopeds, scooters, and, at times, motorcycles. The nice ones will have a bell or horn. And traffic signals? All two- and three-wheeled vehicles are exempt.
Public areas also make way for bikes. There is no Americans with Disabilities Act, and this isn't a way to help young mothers with strollers cross the dangerous street. Ramps like these are everywhere to facilitate the bike traffic. This leads to a bridge over a busy street.
The bikes, mopeds, and scooters are all the personal transportation you need, even if you are a family. It is nothing to see two or three people on a regular bike or moped.
We've even seen families of four on scooters, one child standing on the plaform in front of dad who is driving, the next child, and mom in the 'way back.
I haven't been quick enough with my camera yet, but I promise more pictures of the biking chaos.
Shenzhen is nothing like that.
(Randy says Beijing isn't really like that either, but it is crazier here).
The sidewalks in Shekou have these every 10 meters or so.
These would be a good idea if they were observed. The most daring cyclists stay on the road, risking life and limb against the unpredictable movements of taxis and buses. On the sidewalks you might not only encounter regular bikes, but mopeds, scooters, and, at times, motorcycles. The nice ones will have a bell or horn. And traffic signals? All two- and three-wheeled vehicles are exempt.
Public areas also make way for bikes. There is no Americans with Disabilities Act, and this isn't a way to help young mothers with strollers cross the dangerous street. Ramps like these are everywhere to facilitate the bike traffic. This leads to a bridge over a busy street.
The bikes, mopeds, and scooters are all the personal transportation you need, even if you are a family. It is nothing to see two or three people on a regular bike or moped.
We've even seen families of four on scooters, one child standing on the plaform in front of dad who is driving, the next child, and mom in the 'way back.
I haven't been quick enough with my camera yet, but I promise more pictures of the biking chaos.
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