China is no longer a nation on bikes, can you believe it?
Without seeing it, I can't believe myself. But upon returning from a recent trip, I have no doubt that China is no more riding on bikes.
Just less than two years ago when I was there, the bikes were still everywhere, many of them are electronic bikes. However, even these e-bikes are only occasionally spotted on the streets, most likely on back streets.
Where are these bikes?
One reason is the fast growing car-owning class, who have since retired their bikes and start the four-wheel life. The previous car-owners, such as businessmen, sales or private enterprise managers are also replaced with school teachers, civil servants and other salary earners. Owning a car is no longer a dream, but a reachable goal.
Another reason is the unfriendlier road riding experience. In the past, since most of Chinese ride bikes to work, go shopping, picking and dropping kids and just about any other errands, the bike lines were wide and plenty. However, nowadays, the bike lines, as explained by New Yorker Beijing writer Even Osnos, are getting a facelift. The three classes all have trade offs, and the cyclists have to consider before setting for a ride. Sounds like a hassle?
Last reason, I think, is the culture perception of class. In China, a strong views associating certain things with a profession. Jeans and backpacks? Students. People with white scrubs are either physicians or dentists, (even illegal street corner dentists have to were these). So bicycles are considered as a thing of poor people (painters and day laborers waiting on the street), or poor students. If you have money, why riding a bike?
However, I had no problem riding one around. The fresh air just unbeatable to seating inside a bus. I just wish the bike lines will still be there, for many years to come. Because, with the soaring oil prices and unrest in the Middle East, the bikes may well be coming back in a big way.
(AP photo)
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