Safe cycling cannot rely solely on one-way management. In addition to urging management authorities to improve facilities and eliminate safety hazards on greenways, cyclists must also enhance their awareness of safe riding. Wearing helmets and gloves, knee pads, following warning signs, walking bikes in dangerous sections, avoiding riding without hands or carrying passengers at high speeds — these are all ways to help reduce accidents.
Frequent safety incidents on the Jinzhong Reservoir Greenway have become a recent focus of media and social media attention. At a site meeting yesterday, Vice Mayor Tan Pei’an stated that single-direction management of the Jinzhong Reservoir Greenway would be considered based on actual conditions. The news was met with approval from many netizens, though some expressed differing opinions, believing that one-way management cannot completely prevent greenway accidents. In my view, safe cycling cannot depend solely on one-way management. Aside from urging management to improve facilities and eliminate safety hazards, cyclists must also raise their own safety awareness — this too is one way to reduce accidents.
As a cycling enthusiast, I have witnessed the transformation of the Jinzhong Reservoir Greenway from a muddy construction site to its current lively state. After numerous rides on-site, I’ve encountered several alarming scenes: office workers in skirts and high heels cycling for exercise after work; elderly people with grandchildren in bike trailers; and even primary school students who had just learned to ride, wobbling unsteadily — all of them high-risk groups prone to accidents on the greenway. Moreover, dangerous behaviors on the greenway are countless: riding without hands, carrying passengers at high speed, cycling while holding an umbrella, drinking, or talking on the phone.
Safe cycling starts with you and me. This may sound like a very ordinary statement, but putting it into practice is not so easy. China is a country with a huge cycling population, and many citizens learn to ride bikes at a young age, often considering themselves adept at handling a bicycle while having weak safety awareness. But abroad, even for short rides, cyclists consciously wear helmets to protect themselves. In Japan, 80% of parents equip their children with helmets. On our greenways, however, aside from well-equipped cyclists, very few ordinary citizens wear helmets. Many ride with a sense of luck, traveling lightly equipped; some parents even bring young children along to learn how to ride on the greenway...
Researching relevant materials reveals that China currently has no specific regulations for managing cyclists. Many other countries known for cycling, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia, have clear safety rules for both riders and passengers. For example, Australia requires both riders and passengers to wear helmets; 22 U.S. states mandate helmet use for cyclists under 18. Germany stipulates that bicycles must not travel against traffic, ride side by side, or on sidewalks. Singapore prohibits two bikes from riding side by side. Riding with an umbrella or while on the phone is not allowed. In China, however, riding side by side, cycling with umbrellas, or using phones are common occurrences. Our newspaper previously reported on a cyclist who suffered intracranial bleeding from a fall, mainly because he was not wearing a helmet.
Recently, a comic strip created by a Zhongshan netizen titled “Greenway Survival Guide” has resonated with many. The comic promotes greenway cycling rules in a fun way, calling on citizens to keep both hands on the handlebars, ride at a steady pace, smile, and yield to others. Taking this opportunity, I also urge everyone: safe cycling starts with yourself. Where possible, wear a helmet, gloves, and knee pads; follow warning signs, walk your bike through dangerous areas, avoid riding without hands or carrying passengers recklessly.
Life is given only once — we must not take it lightly in the slightest.