Going Green on Two Wheels
THESE days, groups of people in colorful helmets and bright cycling attire, whizzing past the queues of traffic on fancy bicycles is a common sight in big cities. These cyclists advocate cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle and have a proactive attitude towards life.
Bicycles used to be a major means of transportation for the general public in China. The nation’s economic progress, however, has brought about great changes. Motorbikes and private cars are becoming more affordable and so are growing in number. Big cities have had to face up to the problems following this change – traffic congestion, air pollution, road maintenance, to name a few. But, increasingly more people are becoming aware of the significance of green commuting.
Life in the Slow Lane
Liu Weidong, 46, jointly founded an Internet company with his friends some 10 years ago. He spent the first profit the company made on a top-of-the-range bicycle and has been cycling to work ever since. “Only on special occasions would I ask the company’s driver to take me somewhere by car,” Liu told China Today. “I live some 17 kilometers from my office and it takes me less than an hour to get there by bike. I don’t have much time to go to the gym, so my daily commute is good exercise.” He added, “Traffic in the city is getting worse. Sometimes cycling is much easier than driving.”
Liu is also fond of bike tours. Zhengzhou, where he lives, is the capital of central China’s Henan Province and one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. The city is surrounded by historical spots. They are so appealing to Liu that he often takes bike trips out of the city to visit the sights he reads about in history books. Cycling makes him feel part of nature; you don’t miss out on the beautiful scenery when you travel by bike. “People live in the fast lane these days. We speed towards our goals and often forget to enjoy the journey there,” Liu said. “Traveling by bike slows the pace of my life, brings me back to nature, and allows me to fully enjoy the present moment.”
His view is shared by Zhang Saizhen, another bike tour fan. “Cycling is great fun and gives you a real sense of traveling for pleasure,” Zhang said. “It is a chance to see various landscapes along the way and more importantly, to appreciate them.” In contrast to Liu, who prefers to pedal alone, Zhang often cycles with her friends. “I have a group of friends who all love cycling. Our farthest trip was from Beijing to Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.” She thinks it’s exciting to ride in a team. They talk and laugh, take photos on the way, and rest when tired. Zhang believes such trips are a good outlet for her to “switch off” and relax in good company.
The nature of Zhang’s job, working in the financial department of a company in Beijing, means her mind is often preoccupied with numbers, precision, and report forms. Her husband, an outdoor enthusiast, once encouraged her to relieve her stress by taking up an outdoor activity. “After exploring my options, I chose cycling. The rolling wheels and buzzing chain drown out the din of my work pressure and worries.” Each bike tour leaves her feeling refreshed and able to return to work full of energy.
A Friendly Team Activity
More and more people are beginning to think like Zhang Saizhen. Beijing currently boasts scores of bike clubs with member numbers ranging from a few dozen to some hundreds. Going on excursions organized by bike clubs is becoming a popular way for urban residents to spend their holidays.
Angel recently joined the bike club Tieshua. She posted her first street cycling experience on the club’s forum saying that she was overjoyed even though her knees were sore after a whole day’s ride. “It was great to pedal with caring and trustworthy cyclists. How lucky I am to have such nice friends!” she said.
Tieshua Club originated in regular street cycling. In 2006, a weekly evening Beijing street ride was organized by a group of cyclists. As the participants grew in number, a club was finally established in 2009. Its Chinese name is an abbreviation for “avid street cyclists.” According to Mr. Sun, one of the club’s initiators, drag racing and running a red light are prohibited during street cycling. In addition, the team moves at a moderate speed and will collectively slow down to make sure no one falls behind. “We see street cycling as a chance to enjoy the warmth of friendship and a low-carbon life. It is a relaxed and happy time,” Mr. Sun added.
Erlun, a new college graduate, joined the club last year. Cycling, which has been his hobby since his teenage years, brings him lots of fun and friends. Now, the young man is zealous in his campaign to support green commuting and environmental protection. He believes that a better environment calls for people’s attention to life’s small details. “Everybody can contribute to environmental protection,” Erlun stated. “Advocating a healthy lifestyle, like riding a bike, may achieve a better result than simply implementing traffic restriction regulations. In a sense, group cycling activities are particularly impressive and encourage more people to commute by bike.”
A Healthy Lifestyle
China used to be called the “kingdom of bicycles,” in which the streets were flooded with two-wheelers. But today, cars are replacing bikes and at the same time, environmental problems are getting worse. People are beginning to reflect on the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle. It is thrilling to see that a variety of campaigns have been launched in cities to promote a low-carbon life. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, saving and reusing paper, and similar small measures are feasible in everyday life.
Cycling is regaining people’s favor for its convenience and eco-friendliness. Meanwhile, as leisure cycling gains popularity, the bicycle is no longer deemed merely a means of transport. Instead, it represents a healthy way of living and a solution to sustainable urban development.
Having led Tieshua for six years, Mr. Sun has a deep insight into the benefits of cycling. In his eyes, this active way of life frees him from the intensity of modern life. “Cycling colors your life green. A bike trip refreshes your mind and soul, which have been long shut away in the office. We should all live our lives in green. Cycling is one of the best ways to strengthen your body and enrich your mind.”
