NAME: Erin
LOCATION: Shanghai, China
OCCUPATION: Teacher/PhD Student

Where do you live and what’s it like riding in your city?
I moved to Shanghai a few months ago and despite having ridden in Manhattan for the past 3 years, it took me a few weeks to get the courage to face Shanghai rush hour. I still remember my first ride into the city center, in a bike lane filled with weaving motorcycles narrowly missing my front wheel and cigarette-smoking Chinese wobbling back and forth on their rusty cruisers. Despite China’s new love affair with cars, bike lanes here still get incredibly full and riding can be harrowing. I’ve had a few near collisions, but now I’m used to the chaos and enjoy all the activity that I see on my commute to work.

Everyone here rides—women in heels, full grown men in pajamas, whole families. Old folks ride too, and with amazing agility.

One thing anyone planning on riding here should know: the one and only traffic law seems to be that if it is bigger than you, it’s got the right of way. Be forewarned!

What was your favorite city to ride in, and why?
New York is still my true love. Riding over the Williamsburg Bridge with a sunset behind the skyline and the (surprisingly) fresh smell of the East River filling my nose is perfection. I really miss that.

Why do you love riding in the city?
Part of it is that bikes don’t pollute, they’re cheap and healthy, but I think ultimately it’s because it is the best way to observe life in a city. I’ve only been in Shanghai a few months and I already feel pretty at home on its streets. I know its bridges and alleys and I watch the residents go about their lives from my bike. I’ve discovered so much of the city by accident just by getting lost.

Plus it’s like playing the most amazing video game ever that doesn’t make you feel lazy and that gets you where you want to go in the process.

Or just say whatever you want about riding in the city…
zixingche=bicycle
zi (self), xing (movement) che (vehicle)
Well said, I think.