A nightmare on Beijing streets

A nightmare on Beijing streets
By People's Daily | 2012-5-22


TRAFFIC jams plague both New York and Beijing, and yet you have totally different driving experiences in the two cities.

In New York, drivers often yield to each other, but in Beijing, drivers block one another.

For example, whenever a driver signals to change lanes in New York, others would make way for him or her. This public manner is unusual in Beijing.

That's why traffic order is much better in New York than in Beijing, although per capita ownership of private cars in New Your doubles that in Beijing.

In Beijing, drivers are not incentivized to do good. Those drivers who violate traffic rules or disregard public manners are seldom punished or shamed.

Over time, fewer and fewer drivers are willing to do good.

There has been a lot of recent discussion on Chinese forums about a little "test" done in Beijing by some People's Party members (currently having the big meeting in Beijing).

One of the People's members is with Zongshen motorcycles. He, and two others, did the following:

1) Starting from the same point, at the same time, and with the same destination, used three different methods of transportation:

a) Scooter
b) Subway
c) Car

2) The time results were:

a) Scooter 10 minutes
b) Subway 16 minutes
c) Car 27 minutes

Anyone who lives near the center of Beijing will not be surprised by these results. Scooters rule! In addition, scooters never have parking problems or parking charges. Nor do scooters have to experience the sardine-can-like subway cars. However, Beijing's 2rmb subway charge (travel anywhere on the entire system, except the airport express) is still the best transportation deal!

Here is the original link, off motorfans Shanghai, as well as the pics:

http://motorcycle.sh.cn/t_17545608_1.htm

Attachment 10495

Attachment 10496

Attachment 10497

Click on images for larger version, or just head to the motorfans link.

Yup, that's a JH600 in the background of the first pic. :icon10:

PS edit: I noticed that the rider doesn't have a front plate properly mounted ... although that name badge is probably more than sufficient, should he be stopped!

It's too bad they did not include "bicycle" in this test. Bicycles are not as fast as they once were in Beijing, but that's because the once-spacious and safe bicycle lanes have been given over to car parking, meaning they are now always filled with cars already parked and cars trying to find parking.

Beijing is world-class example of failed urban planning. Sad.

cheers

Interestingly, a CCTV announcer said "this test cannot be properly 'judged' unless you use a bicycle." That announcement set off a flurry of motorfan netizens "judging" the CCTV announcer.

But, yeah, it would be interesting to see what a bicycle result would be.

Yeah the commentator was the well-known CCTV presenter Bai Yan Song claiming something along the lines that he "strongly opposes the use of a motorcycle during the test because very few Beijing residents can ride a motorcycle due to very strict controls on motorcycle licensing". Lol waaaat? Literally EVERYONE in China can apply for a motorcycle license in Beijing so Mr Bai is either talking rubbish or he knows something that we don't.

Yeah, believe what CCTV is saying: http://www.shanghaidaily.com/nsp/Nat...firing%2Bline/

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 998S

TRAFFIC jams plague both New York and Beijing, and yet you have totally different driving experiences in the two cities.

---

It is a rare day in Beijing when I completely agree with a decision by the Traffic Management Bureau. Apparently, they have decided that it would be a good idea to put more pretty, young female traffic officers out on the street. Certainly makes sense to me!



Now, I've only visited New York City a few brief times, but I seem to recall the male traffic cops as being card-carrying members of Dunkin Donuts, with serious fire power strapped to their 48 inch waist belts.

In this case, I've gotta go with ...
China 1, USA 0

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by euphonius

It's too bad they did not include "bicycle" in this test.

---

I was recently reminded of this competition ...

Beijing's Great Race

Bicycle won!

Apparently, the magazine/website will be doing another race later this year.

[QUOTE=Lao Jia Hou;59970] Apparently, they have decided that it would be a good idea to put more pretty, young female traffic officers out on the street. [QUOTE]

Maybe china is taking a lesson out of North Korea books


Attachment 12793

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

It is a rare day in Beijing when I completely agree with a decision by the Traffic Management Bureau. Apparently, they have decided that it would be a good idea to put more pretty, young female traffic officers out on the street. Certainly makes sense to me!



Now, I've only visited New York City a few brief times, but I seem to recall the male traffic cops as being card-carrying members of Dunkin Donuts, with serious fire power strapped to their 48 inch waist belts.

In this case, I've gotta go with ...
China 1, USA 0

---

:thumbsup: +1

Not Beijing ... but not far (Tangshan, Hebei)

Traffic Policewomen getting into "fist fight" in middle of intersection:



Possibilities?

1) same boyfriend?
2) one has commented about the other's weight?

or simply

3) "Hey, ho, get off MY corner!"

Ya gotta love this country.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

It is a rare day in Beijing when I completely agree with a decision by the Traffic Management Bureau. Apparently, they have decided that it would be a good idea to put more pretty, young female traffic officers out on the street. Certainly makes sense to me!



Now, I've only visited New York City a few brief times, but I seem to recall the male traffic cops as being card-carrying members of Dunkin Donuts, with serious fire power strapped to their 48 inch waist belts.

In this case, I've gotta go with ...
China 1, USA 0

---

Wow, that first cop is beautiful!

Quote:

---

Apparently, they have decided that it would be a good idea to put more pretty, young female traffic officers out on the street. Certainly makes sense to me!

---

Please explain, I don't get the meaning. Will they behave better? Will they obey the rules? Will they be ashamed when they behave bad? ...... or will they loose the last bit of remaining brain

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

Not Beijing ... but not far (Tangshan, Hebei)

Traffic Policewomen getting into "fist fight" in middle of intersection:


Possibilities?

1) same boyfriend?
2) one has commented about the other's weight?

or simply

3) "Hey, ho, get off MY corner!"

Ya gotta love this country.

---

Hi Doc

Get them to read this link

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...ngry-Read-this

it could help with me it just made me more ANGRY :lol8:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by PeteZ

Wow, that first cop is beautiful!

---

Totally agree! Although I am curious at what she is shouting at 0:36 of the video. :eek2:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

Totally agree! Although I am curious at what she is shouting at 0:36 of the video. :eek2:

---

She's saying “烦!" which kind of means "you're annoying".

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

Not Beijing ... but not far (Tangshan, Hebei)

Traffic Policewomen getting into "fist fight" in middle of intersection:



Possibilities?

1) same boyfriend?
2) one has commented about the other's weight?

or simply

3) "Hey, ho, get off MY corner!"
Ya gotta love this country.

---

Another good look for China.:clap:You know if you tell theses girls if you throw in some mud westerners will pay big money.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

Not Beijing ... but not far (Tangshan, Hebei)

Traffic Policewomen getting into "fist fight" in middle of intersection:



Possibilities?

1) same boyfriend?
2) one has commented about the other's weight?

or simply

3) "Hey, ho, get off MY corner!"

Ya gotta love this country.

---

:clap:!!!AWESOME!!!:clap:

This made my day, thanks for sharing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 998S

A nightmare on Beijing streets
By People's Daily | 2012-5-22

In Beijing, drivers are not incentivized to do good. Those drivers who violate traffic rules or disregard public manners are seldom punished or shamed.

---

Reason # 117 to ride a 100% legal bike with a proper motorcycle driving license ...

A friend was riding her scooter to work when a BMW 3 series (no surprise) squeezed her, ran over her foot, and then took off. She managed to snap a quick shot of the car's plate number. After a trip to the hospital for x-rays, etc, (no damage, other than bruising & a tire track on her boots) she went to the police station and reported it. Police were very helpful after noticing she was 100% legal.

She'd probably have no recourse if she'd been on an illegal bike and/or without a proper DL. Unlikely she'd report it or, if she did, get a warm reception.

Let us know what happens and she succeeds to give that BMW jerk the trouble (s)he deserves.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by braillce

Let us know what happens and she succeeds to give that BMW jerk the trouble (s)he deserves.

---

Tx - she posted over here with pics ...

http://www.motorfans.com.cn/bbs/t_17668167.htm

In a nutshell, the Criminal Division of the Police (hit & run) are looking for the guy, but the two telephone numbers they have for him are both dead. However, they also informed her that it will probably be a he said/she said thing. I suggested that, in the future, she keep her GoPro running.

Nevertheless, that website (motorfans) has a HUGE membership who are now looking for the car.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

...Nevertheless, that website (motorfans) has a HUGE membership who are now looking for the car.

---

Crowdsleuthing is a scary concept, given the potential for mistakes and abuse and vigilantism, but it's also a powerful tool. Wasn't it some motorfan readers who found Shanghaifingers' JH600B in Shandong.

Say, 'fingers -- have Shanghai's finest retrieved your bike yet?

Right foot .. on a scooter?
So she was in the wrong lane, or driving against traffic, or what?

Not too fast in determining who is guilty ...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 998S

Right foot .. on a scooter?
So she was in the wrong lane, or driving against traffic, or what?

Not too fast in determining who is guilty ...

---

The guy had squeezed her against the right side of the road, blocking her passage, so she went around the rear, and was moving forward on his left (where there was now room). To make his point of "I am first", he then swerved left and hit her with his front left quarter panel/tire, running over her foot that was now down on the ground. After she screamed, he then took off and she caught up to him later, where she snapped the pic of his plate.

I (and several other MCMrs) know this girl, and she is Ms. Safety to a "T". Also has a very cool head.

Sorry, but there's no worse mutherfocker than a driver who deliberately swerves to "educate" a bicyclist or motorcyclist. Somehow I had in mind some hapless skill-less concubine driving her sugardaddy's bimmer, and hitting the girl through stupidity and lack of skills. But this seems to have been deliberate. What was I saying about vigilantism? I hope the motorfans crowdsleuths track this vermin down and have their way with both of his feet. And then with his 3 series. And then hand him over to the police.

Over the years, I've noticed big changes in how car drivers treat motorcycle riders in Beijing. They have become much more sinister, and I've attributed that to the insane traffic jams, 24/7. Car drivers are getting frustrated, and some just can't handle the idea that a lowly scooter rider can make its way through traffic, while their car sits there, waiting for the 4th traffic light change.

Spend a few days inside the 3rd ring road on a bike, and I guarantee you will experience cars purposefully trying some really dangerous maneuvers on you. I once had a guy trying to gently bump me from behind to get me to move - in the f'n bike lane! He was in a little QQ (or something similar) and I was on my scooter. But I am a foreigner ... I'm not going to get into an altercation ... I just stay where I am, and then when the light turns green, I decide it is time to light a cigarette.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Lao Jia Hou

[...] I'm not going to get into an altercation ... I just stay where I am, and then when the light turns green, I decide it is time to light a cigarette.

---

LOL, I remember doing that a few times. I also remember my blood was boiling when doing that, I was actually looking for an altercation...

We take it personally when they put our life at risk, but it's just that the life of someone else means nothing to many drivers here.

The right approach is to drive on, alert and ready to avoid a bigger cunt that the one u just miraculously dodged even though it really looked like he was intentionally trying to push u out of the game, cause there's always a bigger cunt, it's like a competition out there.

The case of ur friend is a special case, this bmw driver needs to get caught and go to jail like the criminal he is.

But most drivers we get angry at aren't.

There's a story out there today about a driver getting into a spat with a woman pushing her baby in a stroller, in Beijing. Guy gets pissed, gets out of his car, picks up the baby and drops it hard on the ground. Massive brain damage, and baby dies. Guy is arrested a day later. He's a felon, recently released from prison. I'm guessing they will not waste any prison time on him this time.

Fucking jungle out there. Braillce is right. Be careful who you mess with.

Good lord, Euphonius, that story is so incredibly sad & disturbing.

It seems that the guy's switch was flipped - you know, that uniquely Chinese characteristic where a person goes from relative calm to completely insane rage in a nano second. I've been witness to that flipped-switch a few times, although never with consequences anywhere near, or so tragically upsetting, as the baby killer.

Putting those with a propensity for violence, and a spring-loaded switch, behind the wheel of a car ... you are bound to have serious consequences. Further, let these people sit in traffic jams, in searing heat on asphalt, to cook a while. Then along comes sweet little MCM members riding their cute little motorcycles, passing all the traffic with a smile on their face ... the perfect target.