Have no fear

I’ve put my bike to the test today and rode from my apartment to the Forbidden City and the famous Tian’an Men Square (see picture). On the map it looked like a short ride but still it took me over one hour one way. With the temperatures in the low 90’s F (= 32 C) it was quite a work-out. There are bike lanes everywhere and the widest I have ever seen in a city.

Along the way I also learned a thing or two about cycling in Beijing:

1) keep your hands always on the breaks, you will need them at every corner or turn, they are there for a reason
2) cars are bigger than you, so let them take the road: especially taxis have totally no respect for cyclists, they treat you like a mosquito as they always seem to be trying to squash you
3) there is strength in numbers: stay with a pack
4) whatever the locals do, do the same, even as the traffic light turns red
5) have no fear, whatever happens, keep pushing the pedals, it is normal to hear honks all the time
6) old ladies on the bike will pass you, just get over it, you bought the bike because it was cheap, not for speed