Beijing by Bicycle

Filed in archive A World Away on July 11, 2007

The exponential increase in Beijing's traffic has made it more difficult and dangerous to get around the city by bicycle. Cycling main streets can feel downright suicidal. Even though these major thoroughfares (like the one pictured in this post) have bicycle lanes, cars and, worse, trucks pay little heed to the lines, making sudden turns across the bicycle lane without so much as a turn signal. However, the charm of Beijing's neighborhoods, where vehicle traffic remains relatively light, can still be appreciated during a leisurely pedal. A bicycle tour through Beijing's Old Quarter is quite an experience, no matter what your pedaling prowess might be. The narrow lane ways (hutong in Mandarin) are a bit gritty, but this is the real Beijing, and its charms are innumerable.

Beijing remains a bicycle city. Even though private motor vehicle ownership is on the rise, the city's streets are still packed with bell-ringing two-wheelers. So when in Beijing, indulge yourself with a "when-in-Rome" experience and rent a bicycle. Many tour companies (like this one) rent bicycles for a relatively inexpensive price. Guided tours are also available.