Thousand Words: Day Eleven

Riding in Style

There is more than one way to get from point A to point B in China.

 

Although I rarely get the chance I much prefer driving in China than in the States.  There is much less road rage in China and much more reason for it.  The absence of personal space here shows up all over the place but it is never more exciting than on the road.  What we would call "cutting people off" is not only tolerated it is expected and sometimes hesitating can be more dangerous than not.  What we would call "speeding" is much less of an issue here.  Not less of an occurrence, just less of an issue.  And what we would call "lines on the road" also exist in China but primarily for decoration.  Sometimes tensions rise a bit and occasionally a taxi driver will lose his temper but the general rule is honk and move on.  No harm no foul.  

Most drivers have been driving less than five years and a very low percentage have been driving more than ten.  However, the growing middle class loves their new cars and traffic seems to increase daily.  There are a lot of ways to get around.  Some more interesting than others.

Breakfast on Wheels

This is a mobile, propane fueled traveling skillet hooked to a bicycle.  

Delicious egg wrap tortilla type things with meat, veggies and hot spices inside

are on sale on the street corner for cheap.  Mobility for street vendors is key.  

They can relocate to higher traffic areas at different points during the day and 

can also make a quick getaway if they are hassled by authorities for operating 

without a license.  

Old Style

This is a very rare site in the cities that we have lived in however on 

a few occasions we have seen a horse, a donkey or even a cow.  

My favorite vehicle in China

This was our family car when we lived in Shenyang.  It made the entire

city so much more accessible and was far cheaper than taxis.  Technically

classified as an electric bicycle, you don't need a license to drive.  However

you are supposed to stay on the sidewalks and bike paths when you're 

driving on major roads.  Carrying the 80 pound battery in to charge every

night was the only down side (apart from safety concerns of course).

Riding in Style

Cheaper (and slower) than regular taxis, in some places you can find a 

glorified version of the traditional Chinese rickshaws.  The availability of 

these kinds of vehicles varies greatly from city to city and even 

neighborhood to neighborhood.

Just for contrast

Stretch limos, Cadillacs and Hummers are around as well.  I'd take a 

scooter over this any day.