In the past, bicycles were a major means of transportation in nearly every household in China. However, with the growth of private car ownership and the emergence of electric bikes, traditional bicycles were once abandoned by many for a long time.
In recent years, owing to the boom of convenient bike-sharing, peddle power has made a welcome comeback in many Chinese cities. In Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, during the construction of “a city of parks,” the municipal government has built bicycle-friendly greenways and upgraded its four-level bike lane network to provide dedicated space for cycling.
Greatly encouraged, cycling enthusiasts and groups mushroomed in Chengdu. They participate in major cycling events and activities, which gives them the chance to get close to nature.
The 2019 Hurricane Criterium Global Finals are held in Chengdu, capital city of southwest China’s Sichuan Province on October 19, 2019.
A City Changed by “Cycling Plus”
“The Tianfu Greenway is a mega-project, and since we already have such good infrastructure, our next step is to attract more people to participate,” said Cheng Mo, manager of a sports marketing company. The company is trying to use the concept of “cycling plus” to motivate locals to experience a slower pace of life in Chengdu.
In 2019, the Sichuan Museum hosted the first cycling event in cooperation with other local museums, with Cheng’s company being the organizer. During the event, participants cycled to various museums in Chengdu. In the Chengdu Museum, they recited the famous poem, “Perilous Journey towards Sichuan,” by the great Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai (701-762). In the Sichuan Museum, they experienced traditional Chinese entertainment, such as arrow throwing. In the Jinsha Site Museum, they used bone needles to sew winter clothes, as a way to experience the daily life of ancient Sichuanese.
In May 2020, Chengdu issued a plan to build a travel-through-lanes network with a total length of 116 kilometers. Forty-two lanes linking neighborhoods, old courtyards, historical architectures, and sites of cultural significance will ensure cycling in the city is on the checklist of travelers.
In recent years, Chengdu has also hosted international high-level cycling events. The world’s highest-level urban cycling contests, such as the 2018 UCI Urban Cycling World Championships and the 2019 Hurricane Criterium Global Finals, have all been held in Chengdu. The increasing number of events and the public’s deeper understanding of the cycling culture have led to the emergence of professional cycling teams and clubs. There are now 16 professional cycling teams in Chengdu.
“Different geographical locations give each province different cycling cultures,” commented Huang Tesheng, secretary general of the Sichuan Cycling Association. In his eyes, the green mountains and rivers add to the charm of Chengdu’s cycling culture.
“In Chengdu, rooms with jade green views are commonplace in local households. Besides, surrounded by famous mountains, the city provides cyclists with all kinds of challenging cycling environments. Cycling in nature and advocating a green and low-carbon lifestyle are inherent in Chengdu’s cycling culture,” Huang said.
To develop a cycling culture, and to engage more people in it needs more than just “riding.” Supporting industries need to catch up. From basic logistical support to places to rest and eat, and sites of cultural interests to visit, it requires cross-industry integration and a series of in-depth development. It also needs the help of excellent event planning teams to explore the potential needs of cyclists, such as photo opportunities, which is a high priority for many cycling enthusiasts who participate races.
Cycling is suitable for all ages. “Children’s pedal-free balance bikes are selling like hot cakes in Chengdu. The COVID-19 epidemic has made people keener to embrace a green and healthy lifestyle,” Huang said.
Enjoy Life by Cycling
For cycling enthusiast Deng Yong, a round trip from downtown Chengdu to Longquan Mountain takes him four hours. The brisk, green journey always totally makes his day. Speaking of changes in his cycling circle during the past year, Deng said that the number of cyclists is growing, and bicycles weigh much less than they used to. Behind these and other changes are the cycling-friendly environment, especially the spreading greenways.
According to the Chengdu Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Bureau, as of the end of December 2019, Chengdu had upgraded 830 kilometers of bicycle roads and lanes. The improving bike path system not only meets people’s commuting needs, but also attracts them to exercise, relax, and enjoy a slower life by cycling.
Shen Mo is an active user of the Mafengwo app, a travel social media platform in China. In his spare time, he likes to experience a city by bike. He cycled in Chengdu in 2018 and 2019, and has posted his cycling experience on Mafengwo. Shen explains the appeal of cycling this way, “Compared with walking, a bike takes you further, and gives you the freedom to stop wherever and whenever you want. Besides, the speed of riding a bicycle is slower than that of driving a car, which allows you to experience every corner of a city in a leisurely manner. The city boasts a pleasant climate, flat terrain, numerous parks, winding greenways and beautiful scenery, all of which are suitable for cycling. There are also many art exhibitions in small public spaces in the city, and the street culture and art are diverse. Cycling here is great fun.”
The 2019 Urban Cycling World Championships are held on November 10, 2019 in Chengdu.
Cycling Groups
With a good cycling environment and the concept of green travel, cycling groups continue to spring up in Chengdu. Similar to joggers, they meet for rides at set times.
Hu Micai is a programmer and leader of the Chengdu Light Cycling Group. Founded in November 2016, the group has grown from a handful of enthusiasts to 350 members in only five years.
Initially, Hu just wanted to get out of his “work-home-work” routine, and add more possibilities to his life. “I have not only expanded my social circle, but also learned more about the city through cycling. [When cycling] I can feel the connection between me and Chengdu,” said Hu.
His cycling group meets every Wednesday night. Hu said that his night riding has been going on for more than three years. He and his group members have witnessed the changes of the environment of the Xinglong Lake. “In the past, there were few people here and not much lighting at night. Now the office area, shops and supermarkets have all been built up, and along the roads there are snack vending machines for people to replenish their energy. The road around the Xinglong Lake is wide enough for the crowds. People can find their own leisure route on the lakeside without disturbing each other,” said Hu.
He has found that after trying a mountain bike or a road bike, most of the group’s cyclists are no longer satisfied with riding a shared bike. According to Hu, as the bike lane system improves and cycling experiences improve, more and more people will take up cycling for fitness.
YANG YING is a reporter with Chengdu Culture magazine.
