Another aspect of China that we found surprising was how few bicycles, and motorbikes there were. Predominantly the modes of transport were modern cars. All the motor scooters were electric and perhaps the lack of sound made those that were there a little more inconspicuous. Additionally, the motorcycles had their own lanes which were often removed from the general car lanes. When you saw them parked en masse you realised there were more than you were aware of.
and there was room after room filled to capacity in this underground parking area. Coming from a tropical climate and travelling in spring, I found it interesting how the bike riders kept their hands warm.
Although not common, the trike and bike were still occasionally seen transporting loads that wouldn’t be seen in my hometown at least.
Bicycles were seen even less often although we were taken for a ride through the Hutongs (an old part of Beijing) on the modern equivalent of a rickshaw.
I did feel a little guilty at having someone pedal us around the narrow lanes of the Hutong but if it wasn’t for tourists these people might have little income and at least they weren’t pulling the rickshaw as they would have in bygone days and the experience was much better than the horse and carriage in Egypt.
Thanks to Cee for hosting Cee’s Fun Foto. Join in – its fun.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
Oh Irene what a fun post for this week’s bike theme. Thanks 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Cee.
LikeLike
Really interesting, Irene. I am constantly amazed by the incredible loads some of the electric motorbikes will carry.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just amazed at the loads. Thanks Noelle.
LikeLike
A whole different traffic condition than what exists in the US. Those overfull bikes with the loads of balloons and the one of recycled plastic crates. Not sure how the first driver could see nor how the second one could steer. At first I thought the recycling driver was hauling a space man of some kind. These people make the most of their roadways.
LikeLike
Absolutely. Here they would be fined for not loading appropriately. A whole different ball game.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fun post. My brother and I took a bike taxi ride a few years ago. It did make both of us feel strange and guilty, too, but it did the trick and got us where we needed to go, and the cyclist said it kept him in good shape. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL I agree with the driver – they are all in good shape. I struggle to pedal around the corner. Thanks Marsha.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. Our son and his girlfriend have electric bikes which they take all over. Their legs are both like iron. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL
LikeLike
I noted that the rickshaw/trike drivers have a type of uniform coat, so I’m guessing they work for a business owner rather than being self-employed. I enjoyed reading this fun post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Wendy. Now that is a question I didn’t ask but being China they probably work for the state.
LikeLike