Beijing Bicycle Commute

Last week I attempted to explain to a friend of a friend just what it’s like to ride a bike in Beijing. It’s better than riding in the U.S., because there are far more bike lanes. It’s worse because there’s far more traffic here. It’s better in Beijing, because Chinese drivers treat cyclists as legitimate road users. In the U.S. some drivers don’t even think bikes should be allowed on the streets. Of course, just because Chinese drivers recognize your right to the road doesn’t mean they’re going to give you any room. In other words, it’s not so easy to explain. Perhaps it’s just easier to check out this video my friend Sami shot during a recent bike commute in Beijing.