Wheels of the world....

Transportation!!!! what a concept in China. A little like the U.S.A, everyone in china has their personally owned vehicle. But, instead of being SUV's, sedan's and motorbikes, these are, bicycles, scooters and if you have a bit of money, little automobiles...and of course like in any other community, the rich have their big bad " Voiture de Luxe".. Here, you have status it seems, if you own a  big black sleek european car. For example, Audi's, mercedes, and BMW's....
But most people in China, chose to transport themselves with the 2 wheeler peddler which we call "The bike". You would think only the young or the "in shape"  people would resort to this, but unlike  westerners, most all people, young and old alike, ride a bike. These bikes are not what you would see in a sports store back home. Most have seen a better day. Lacking shine and paint, you can detect the wear and tear with the many spots of rust they bare. Like many things in China, they are not pretty, but they do the job and they serve their purpose... You also have, the wonderful folding bicycle. The general concept of the folding bike is designed for the people whom can commute back and forth between the home and office or wherever they work,  biking in the downtown cities comfortably, while being able to  bring the bike into the subways, trains, buses and other public transportations. You can get it in many sizes.If you ask me??? Ingenious!!!!!!
Then you have what "we", the ex-pats, call mo-peds and vespa's. Two types of these electric bikes have emerged. One is similar to a standard bicycle with pedals, but it has an electric motor that engages on command or when the cyclist pedals. These are the most popular in the US and Europe. By contrast, in China, electric bicycles have evolved into bigger machines that resemble Vespa scooters. 
These electric vehicles are EVERYWHERE!!!! There are even some that are used as cheap Taxi's. Can you imagine? You are walking down the street, and a scooter beeps at you, asking if you want a ride??? 
I think NOT!!!!!!
Mind you, I have said that before I leave China, I will hitch a short ride... : ))
Well, these are the peoples personal rides. You naturally have taxi's, buses and in large cities, subways... 
Harry and I are still at the Taxi stage... 
I do take the bus once and a while, but that's another blog....another time...
Your word of the day: zi xing che, pronounced - zee sing chuh-
meaning: You guessed right,  Bicycle!


Pauline! Out!