Cars conquering the Bicycle Kingdom
By Geoffrey York in The Globe and Mail...
Visiting Western leaders are always impressed by the decreasing number of bicycles, seeing it as an example of rising affluence. But the reality is that many Chinese have reluctantly given up their bicycles not because they can afford a car but because of the rising pollution in the streets, the increasing unpleasantness of the ride and the growing threat of being hit by a car.
Those dangers have become a hot subject in the media. A recent survey by Chinese state television found that 43 per cent of bicyclists have cut back on biking -- and only 11 per cent said it was because they had bought a car. More than one-third of those who quit bicycling said the main reason was the mounting danger in the streets.
"Cars take over our bicycle lanes, and we're very angry about it," a young man told the TV program. "If a bicyclist is hit by a car, he'll certainly be injured. There needs to be a lane for us."
At another Chinese television channel, a viewer sent a text message saying: "I ride a bicycle to work, and it's like a battle every day. If you're not alert enough, you can be injured or even killed."
Another viewer added: "Ten years ago, riding a bike was safe, and you could ride freely. But now I prefer to walk."
According to the TV survey, more than two-thirds of bicyclists complain of a shortage of bike lanes and parking spaces, while 80 per cent said the lanes are becoming narrower, especially because of parked cars. More than 90 per cent said the rights of bicyclists are ignored.
Evidence suggests they are right. In Shanghai, bicycles have been barred from major roads to provide more space for cars. In Beijing, bicycle lanes are often one metre or less, because of the large number of parked cars. Some new roads - including the one in front of Ms. Wu's supermarket -- have been built without bike lanes at all. At some luxury hotels, bicycles are banned from the parking lots.
All of this is provoking a backlash across China. A movement is emerging to promote the rights of bicyclists. Environmentalists are calling for bike lanes to be restored and expanded. Newspapers are crusading on behalf of bicyclists, investigating the scandal of roads without bike lanes.
When a female bicyclist was photographed in a confrontation with a motorist who had intruded into a bike lane in Beijing, she became an instant celebrity. The media hailed her as a hero, and the motorist was forced to apologize.
<a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070120.BIKES20/TPStory/?query=china+bicycles">http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070120.BIKES20/TPStory/?query=china+bicycles</a>;
More about the female bicyclist:
<a href="http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20061027_1.htm">http://www.zonaeuropa.com/20061027_1.htm</a>;
A sample of her in the news:
<a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2006-11/01/content_721485.htm">http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2006-11/01/content_721485.htm</a>;
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