Quote Originally Posted by Fred View Post
Simply because everyone can expect/assume that the fellow driver will respect its share of the driving rules, they don't even think about slowing down when they have the right of way! You do that in China, and you're dead in 2 hours maximum...
That I do not agree, as most deadly motorcycle accidents in EU (and I guess in the USA as well) happen due to car drivers NOT obeying the rules.
Just mean the likes of the guy who all of a sudden turns left without indicating, or the driver with his mind on the phone.
Riding on a motorbike assuming you get the right of way is as dangerous as riding here.

That having said, what really helps me is riding so that I simply avoid the vulnerable spots.
I will try never to be in the middle of a row of cars, would rather hang at the tail of the next row (so I rather just accelerate to the next row).
I will never be the first to line up in front of a red light, the risk of not being seen is too big.
I will never pass on the right side of cars, or to pass cars which show a driver which shows erratic behavior (yes, I know, 99%..) as long as I am not absolutely sure I have an escape route.

The above makes riding not more fun, but it takes out some of the irritation, which altogether improves my mood, and not give up completely.
Still I am with you on this matter, and am happy to join the crowd on the no. 2 Metro every Friday to my weekly Pudong assignment.
No way I will do that by car or (motor)bike, just for those reasons.