The term “large” refers to the sheer number of people who ride bicycles in China. Clearly, given China’s massive population base, whatever the activity, the scale is unprecedentedly large.
The term “strong” mostly refers to competitive cycling. In recent years, China’s competitive cycling scene has developed slowly amid many challenges, often reminiscent of the struggles faced by the national football team.
In recent years, the number of amateur cycling enthusiasts in some cities has been growing steadily, and the accompanying number of cycling clubs and bike shops has also surged (especially in larger cities).
In Beijing, more and more people are riding mountain bikes or road bikes to school or work.
On weekends, those who cruise around the city on their beloved bikes often find joy and a sense of release in the activity.
Many join the cycling community out of a commitment to low-carbon and environmentally friendly living.
Quite a few have taken up cycling for fitness.
And even more have joined simply to chase their dreams—or because they genuinely love the feeling and the community of fellow riders.
However, despite the growing number of people in the cycling circle, we still haven’t managed to attract much broader attention.
The government turns a deaf ear to our existence.
The general public tends to view us as quirky individuals, while seeing bicycles merely as a mode of transportation.
Yes, none of the above statements are inherently right or wrong—they’re just the current reality.
But the development of anything is bound to come with controversy.
From the very beginning, when we first started sharing the roads with motor vehicles, we’ve been making suggestions.
Why is there never a place for non-motorized transport in urban planning?
Why do so many cities not even have bike lanes?
Why are the existing bike lanes so narrow that safe cycling is nearly impossible?
Why is it acceptable for motor vehicles to recklessly occupy bike lanes, while cyclists who are simply riding normally get blamed when they’re scraped or bumped into?
We are the more vulnerable group compared to motor vehicles, and we are also among the most significant contributors to improving urban environments.
It wasn’t until the 【major cycling accident involving the Jinan Brothers Cycling Club in Yantai】 that our existence truly caught society’s attention.
And yet, many of the comments we received were unsettling. We follow the rules, ride responsibly, and contribute positively.
But what we ended up hearing were accusations like unregistered cycling clubs being illegal, group rides being too risky, team leaders lacking business licenses, and no insurance coverage, among other things.
Isn’t the root cause of a traffic accident where one party is entirely at fault the fact that they drove in the wrong direction and hit people, or that someone with poor eyesight was still allowed to drive? Isn’t it an issue of motor vehicle management negligence?
Instead, the blame shifts to innocent cyclists who lost their lives—being labeled as participating in an “illegal gathering.” Right?
Is a motor vehicle really the symbol of economic progress, and is a car truly a mark of status and prestige?!
Despite all this, with the emergence of many positive influences,
our status is gradually improving.
Not to mention other places: take the capital city as an example
The government’s efforts cannot be overlooked:
Non-motorized vehicle lanes in Greater Beijing have finally started to receive gradual attention (though illegal occupation still occurs, etc.), but things have improved a lot
The hosting of the Tour of Beijing has greatly promoted the development of cycling
The power of the people:
Various leisure rides have gradually taken over weekend activities, with cyclists spotted all over the outskirts of Beijing
"Bicycle weddings" have sprung up everywhere, seemingly becoming a unique fashion trend
Slowly, we are witnessing respect and recognition
Thanks to the pioneers who have worked tirelessly over the years to promote the development of cycling
We believe the future of the cycling community will be even brighter
[The following article is reprinted from BIKETO]
On January 1, 2013, Cheng Min, a young man from Jiangxi, held a unique bicycle wedding in Changsha to marry his bride Luo Guiyan, while also fulfilling another—and the most important—dream besides riding the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, welcoming the New Year and a new chapter in life.
The bicycle wedding was organized by the groom riding a tandem bicycle along with 99 members of the Bicycle Tourism Association, symbolizing lasting happiness. Dressed in unified red festive attire, they set off from across the Furong District Government in Changsha, headed to Xingsha Shanshuiwan residential area for the bridal pick-up, and then proceeded together to the hotel banquet venue. The entire journey spanned 27 kilometers, filled with laughter and joy. Onlookers smiled and applauded, offering their blessings to the couple for their green-themed wedding.
Cheng Min and Luo Guiyan met by chance and were brought together by their shared passion—cycling. Their journey together has taken them along classic cycling routes around Changsha such as Meifeng, Guangming Village, and Jiangbei, leaving their footprints on these paths. In July of this year, Cheng Min spent a month fulfilling a long-held dream—riding the Sichuan-Tibet route. Upon returning, he made up his mind to give his girlfriend Luo Guiyan a completely different kind of wedding, one that would be unforgettable for a lifetime. That’s when the idea of a bicycle bridal procession popped into his mind. He gradually prepared for it, and on the first day of the New Year, that idea became a happy reality. Luo Guiyan said, “I’m truly happy. The enthusiasm of the cyclists exceeded our imagination. I could truly feel his love for me!”
This event was planned by Cheng Min and carried out by the Changsha Bicycle Tourism Association, with a large number of participants. News media also paid significant attention to this green and low-carbon wedding.
Bridesmaid cyclist “Buzz Lightyear,” who arrived early that day, was given the important role of acting as the bridesmaid. Throughout the ride, she closely followed the groom’s tandem bicycle, guarding like a bodyguard, and at the hotel banquet, she placed a helmet symbolizing happiness on the bride’s head. She said, “During the ride, I was nervous and eager to reach the finish line to see the beautiful bride as soon as possible. Seeing such a happy wedding has made my own expectations of happiness simpler. Planning a lifetime wedding around a shared hobby—that is the greatest happiness.”
Yuanzheng, also a bridal procession cyclist, was responsible for directing the entire large bridal convoy. He mentioned that he has organized many large-scale cycling events, but this was the first time he had managed such a major, road-unblocked event within the city. However, the event was successfully completed, ensuring the smooth progress of this low-carbon, environmentally friendly wedding. He was very pleased and wished the newlyweds a happy marriage, good health, and a happy family.
This event was uniformly organized and implemented by the Changsha Bicycle Tourism Association. The organization process was rigorous, orderly, and safe, ensuring the ultimate successful completion of the activity. Since its establishment a year ago, the association has organized multiple large-scale events such as the Orange Isle Loop, Xiangjiang International Cycling Race, and the Taiwan Loop, greatly promoting the development of cycling in Changsha and Hunan.