Surveillance captures a cyclist knocking down a pedestrian at Beiji Peak.
Is cycling really banned on Yuelu Mountain? After the report "Female Cyclist Fatality? Yuelu Mountain Considers Banning Cycling" was published, it sparked widespread debate. Today, regarding whether cycling will be banned on the main trails of Yuelu Mountain, the management office stated that it will increase persuasion efforts but will not enforce a mandatory ban. Meanwhile, a planned cycling path around the back mountain will soon make the vision of separating pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy the mountain a reality.
At 10 a.m., reporters entered the Yuelu Mountain scenic area through the South Gate. The weather was fine, and groups of cyclists passed by from time to time. When passing through the boom barrier, the cyclists skillfully dismounted, carried their bikes, detoured, and entered via the stairs on one side. Staff at the boom barrier would invariably advise, “Cycling on mountain paths is very dangerous, please get off.” However, they only persuade, not block, and almost no one turns back.
“We cannot enforce a mandatory cycling ban,” said Li Yanfang, deputy director of the Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area Management Office. “Currently, there are no national laws or regulations explicitly prohibiting cycling in scenic areas. As the managing authority, the scenic area office can only guide visitors through persuasion.”
Six years ago, multiple warning signs were placed within the Yuelu Mountain scenic area reminding visitors not to cycle uphill, but the steep, winding, and rugged mountain paths made it impossible for thrill-seeking cyclists to give up. After multiple discussions between the cycling association and the management office, and with no legal basis to ban cycling, the warning signs were gradually replaced by patient persuasion from the staff. According to the scenic area office, the management office plans to restore warning signs at prominent locations along the routes in the near future.
Since a ban is not possible, prevention is key. To avoid cyclists accidentally falling off the mountain, the management office has installed green guardrails along all hazardous sections of the 7-kilometer mountain path. In many areas, tree trunks along the road have been wrapped with bamboo strips to create a sort of “soft armor” to prevent cyclists from getting injured.
“Yuelu Mountain is free to enter, so many pedestrians hike up. In recent years, more and more cyclists have been coming up the mountain, especially students from nearby,” said Ouyang Ming, head of the monitoring center. “We hope that cycling enthusiasts try not to ride in the scenic area. It is for their own safety as well as the safety of other visitors.”
Shocking Footage
Riders Speeding, Risks Abound
Staff at the Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area have found several videos of cycling accidents.
8:38 p.m., March 26, last year
On a rainy and slippery road, a bicycle went out of control and directly hit the boom barrier in front of the management office. Due to inertia, the male cyclist flipped over the barrier railing and heavily landed on his already fallen bike.
3:29 p.m., March 28, last year
On the S-curve of Beiji Peak in the scenic area, a bicycle was traveling downhill at 40 km/h when it sideswiped the guardrail. The young female cyclist performed a sideways somersault over the barrier and rolled down the hillside.
5:36 p.m., February 3, this year
Also at Beiji Peak, a bicycle knocked down an elderly couple walking toward it. The male cyclist also injured his foot when he fell.
Voices
60% of netizens oppose cycling ban
In an online poll asking “Do you think cycling should be banned on Yuelu Mountain?”, 1,193 netizens responded, with 777 voting against, accounting for over 65% of the total. Many cycling clubs organized and called on cyclists to vote against the proposed ban.
“For safety reasons, the management office could prohibit cyclists without protective gear from entering the mountain, or ban solo riding on mountain paths,” said Dapeng, head of the Acceleration Cycling Club. The club requires its members to wear protective gear and ride in groups if taking mountain paths. “There are experienced riders leading at the front and back of the group.”
Planning
13.7-km back mountain trail plan submitted to city government
Cycle enthusiasts can soon ride to Taohualing
The Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area consists of eight major zones, but currently only the Yuelu Mountain and Orange Isle zones are fully developed.
“We are planning and preparing to build a mountain cycling path in the Taohualing zone, and will develop Taohualing into a ‘Peach Blossom Spring.’ Cycling enthusiasts will be able to ride through peach blossoms and flower fields,” said Ding Jirong, Party Committee Secretary of the Yuelu Mountain Scenic Area Administration, giving a boost to cycling enthusiasts. Liu Zujian, head of the administration, also mentioned that the cycling path plan for the back mountain’s Taohualing zone has been submitted to the municipal government. According to a recent statement by a Changsha city official, a 13.7-km mountain biking trail is planned to be built in Taohualing Park near Meixi Lake, providing a venue for mountain biking and competitions.
Currently, the comprehensive planning for Taohualing zone in the back mountain of Yuelu Mountain has begun. If the construction of a mountain biking trail is approved by the municipal government, the administration will immediately start design and construction bidding, and collaborate with the provincial cycling association to have experienced mountain bikers help map out the route.