Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tential thieves don't damage your lock trying to get in. For gasoline-powered scooters, see
rules relating to motorcycles.
Bicycle Clubs
Cycling is increasingly seen as a form of leisure rather than just a mode of transport,
and there are more and more cycling groups popping up around the city. Ask at any
large bike shop for cycling groups, or try those run by Natooke, Serk, or Bike Beijing
(
www.bikebeijing.com
)
. These kinds of groups are a great way to make new friends in the
city.
Bike Sharing
As one of its efforts to curb pollution and traffic, in 2012 the Beijing government began a
public bike-sharing system. It aims to have a fleet of 50,000 bicycles distributed at 1,000
service points across the city by 2015. Service points are at most subway stations and busi-
ness areas, and bikes can be rented from one service point and returned to any other in the
city.
At the time of writing, rates were free for the first hour and RMB1 for every following
hour, with a maximum of RMB10 for the day. Bicycles can be hired for up to three consec-
utive days at a time, then, from day four it's an RMB20 fine until you return it.
To be able to use a bike, you need to register by presenting your passport, Yikatong card,
and an RMB200 deposit, and signing a service contract. Then, simply swipe the docking
stand for your bike of choice when you take it. Just make sure you check the brakes before
pedaling away.
Straight up, riding a motorcycle in Beijing is not recommended. Thanks to the reckless and
counterintuitive driving techniques of motorists here, it's extremely dangerous. On top of
that, emergency responses by both bystanders and health services are not what you may be
used to in your home country. If you are determined to ride a motorcycle in Beijing, be sure
to buy quality safety gear and have international medical insurance.
Further, if you ride a gas-powered two- or three-wheeled vehicle, you need a genuine
license, regardless of the bike's capacity. The government is cracking down on motorcycle
infringements, and being a foreigner is not going to get you out of it. While many seem to
dodge rules unscathed for years on end, there are also plenty of incidences where a foreign-
er has been caught on an unregistered motorcycle without a license, sent first to a Beijing
prison for 14 days, then deported.
