Today after class (April 19) I rented a bike (with help from my former Chinese student) and rode slowly from my job at the Foreign Affairs Office to the bus terminal. I could look at the beautiful park setting of many parts of Minhang campus with trees, grass, and a large winding river. The breeze was gentle and perfect in the warm sun. Riding the practical European-style bike was so pleasant: one gear, soft seat, hand brakes and a bell. I arrived early so I rode back to the lake. I watched the small black and silver fish swim under the willow trees and chase each other and occasionally jump. It was peaceful and calming and just what I wanted. I then slowly rode back to the bus terminal and parked and locked the bike (cost 15 cents per ride). I am so thankful my friend Adeal got me the app for this on my phone!
Most people here will ride a bike to get from A to B. No one wears helmets, and traffic of every kind is constantly flowing around, cutting across your path, following no discernable rules. There seems to be an understood “flow” where people time their own travels so they can skirt around pedestrians and bikes and cars without anyone having to stop or start or even change pace. I go slow and keep an eye out, since I don’t have the flow feeling.
As an American I feel it is dangerous to ride without a helmet, but the alternative is a 25 minute walk on the side of the road in the heat, carrying my books. I will pedal carefully, but keep riding.