The cycling market in China is booming

Since 2022, the Chinese bicycle market has been extremely booming, especially in the field of road bicycles. According to survey data, the number of cycling enthusiasts in cities such as Shanghai and Beijing has increased by more than 94% within a year. In 2023, the number of mid-to-high-end bicycle brand retail stores has almost doubled.

Main cities Issue Cycling Management Regulations

On the morning of July 25, the Beijing Municipal Traffic Management Bureau released news that the traffic control department will investigate and deal with the situation of cyclists “racing” on urban roads. In Beijing, riders who engage in relevant illegal activities such as racing on urban public roads will be punished. The traffic control department reported that Beijing citizens have strongly reflected on illegal behaviors such as some cyclists chasing and racing, changing lanes at will, and running red lights.

In Shanghai, bicycles riding on municipal roads are also subject to a speed limit of 15 kilometers per hour. At sharp bends and intersections, this speed limit will be reduced to 5 kilometers per hour. And currently, there are already administrators monitoring the speed of passing bicycles at intersections.

At present, many cycling enthusiasts have taken cycling as a daily form of exercise. However, some individuals blindly pursue the competitiveness of cycling sports and treat the roads for citizens’ commuting as the “arena” for sports competitions. Racing not only disrupts the normal traffic order but also brings huge safety hazards to other traffic participants.

According to the relevant provisions of the “Road Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China”, when riding a bicycle on the road, one must not ride in parallel for a long distance, chase each other, or race in a zigzag manner. Do not ride on motor vehicle lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks, do not go in the opposite direction, and do not engage in behaviors such as taking pictures while riding that distract attention and hinder safe driving.

Since the summer of 2024, Beijing has ushered in a peak of tourist 客流. Cycling to enjoy the scenery is gradually becoming the preference of the majority of tourists. Even at night, urban roads still maintain a large bicycle flow. The actions of some cycling enthusiasts in conducting racing activities and chasing and racing on the road have already had an impact on the safety of normal cyclists.

For this reason, from now on, the Beijing municipal traffic control department will carry out strict management of bicycle racing behaviors found on the road surface and legally punish the involved illegal activities to ensure a safe and orderly cycling environment on Beijing’s roads.

Traffic control department issues the following reminders

1.Cycling should comply with the “Road Traffic Safety Law of the People’s Republic of China” and ride in a civilized and safe manner.

2.Check the performance of the vehicle before cycling and wear protective equipment such as helmets when cycling.

3.Ride on the right side of the road. Do not occupy the road to pass. Do not go in the opposite direction. Prohibit riding side by side in multiple rows.

4.Control the riding speed, maintain a safe distance, and avoid dangerous behaviors such as sharp turns, sudden braking, and endangering pedestrians and vehicles.

5.Concentrate when cycling. Do not ride after drinking or when fatigued.