New rumor about Beijing motorbike ban inside 6th ring

[Meiguo-007]

I got my new jing B plate for new bike in Mentougou, I am told now that as of May, no longer need (issued) front plate. Anyone else heard or experienced this already?

[Lao Jia Hou]

... as of May, no longer need (issued) front plate. Anyone else heard or experienced this already?

Yes, that is correct - the front plate is no longer required. There have also been a few other minor traffic-rule changes affecting motorcycles (e.g., the CCC requirements noted on another thread). There are also rumors of additional, and more significant, changes coming in the Fall. However, as everyone learns after a few years of riding around Beijing, there are ALWAYS lots of rumors about what is coming.

[PeteZ]

What rumours have you heard?

[newyork]

On this thread:

http://www.mychinamoto.com/forums/sh...g-the-CCC-mark

Anyone have more or contradicting info?

[Lao Jia Hou]

Merging across threads ...


In my opinion, it is completely impossible to predict what might happen. Over the past decade, I have heard many, many rumors about what will happen in a few months, or a year, or whatever. And it rarely does, or it happens in some modified sense, or what actually happens is completely unexpected.


I agree that the anti-pollution "measures" are alive and well, and that the weak are sacrificed to appease the Beijing masses. Case-in-point, the completely absurd BBQ ban. Additionally, and I don't know if many people are noticing this, but Beijing gas stations are slowly moving over to the countryside-style of filling motorcycles by pitcher, away from the pumps. This despite all the research and evidence about filling nozzles & pipes (anyone from a "clean" state in the USA will know what I mean). And, of course, the obvious safety issues. I've seen a few stations that now require this - really surprised me.


Attacking motorcycles, like BBQs, is easy - most members of the public already dislike motorcycles. Who cares if it is a completely absurd policy, as it allows government the opportunity to appear to be doing something. TIC, and a rational policy-making process isn't in existence.


I am not sure about A plates being restricted about transfers (I have heard that one before, as far back as 2006), but it could be possible (TIC - anything is possible). The most recent attack on A-plate agents has been the new surprise policy of new plate numbers being issued on every transfer - one can no longer "sell" a special number (e.g., 京A 66666). But since around 2008, I have often read many scare tactic stories/rumors about A plates on Chinese forums, usually being written by people who are trying to bring the A-plate prices down. If the government was genuinely serious about reducing A plates, it simply needs to do what Shanghai does and install a policy that permits A-plate holders to trade them in for a car plate. My guess is you'd see at least half the A-plates disappear overnight.


One rumor I have heard concerns public B-plates - i.e., government trying to limit this occurrence (e.g., company registered B-plated bikes). PICC, the largest local insurer of motorcycle insurance, has just been directed to require the registered owner's original ID card/company documents for insurance renewals. There also appears to be some "difficulties" in the annual inspections of company registrations. Both of these are major departures from how things worked as recent as a few months ago.


Obviously, I have zero idea about what the "leaders" are "planning" (my view is that there usually isn't much planning, rather knee-jerk reactions). But if they wanted motorcycles out of the core, they could just do it. And the "pollution" argument is always convenient. I'm not sure how Harley, BMW, Ducati, and so on would react.

[PeteZ]

Thanks for the reply. Just to add to the rumour mill, someone has posted something about Jing B plates running out to be replaced by Jing C plates which would perhaps be limited to outside the 5th Ring. They keep you on your toes so that even if they do nothing it makes you feel "fortunate".

[r1smith]

Thanks for the reply. Just to add to the rumour mill, someone has posted something about Jing B plates running out to be replaced by Jing C plates which would perhaps be limited to outside the 5th Ring. They keep you on your toes so that even if they do nothing it makes you feel "fortunate".

Merging across threads ...


In my opinion, it is completely impossible to predict what might happen. Over the past decade, I have heard many, many rumors about what will happen in a few months, or a year, or whatever. And it rarely does, or it happens in some modified sense, or what actually happens is completely unexpected.


I agree that the anti-pollution "measures" are alive and well, and that the weak are sacrificed to appease the Beijing masses. Case-in-point, the completely absurd BBQ ban. Additionally, and I don't know if many people are noticing this, but Beijing gas stations are slowly moving over to the countryside-style of filling motorcycles by pitcher, away from the pumps. This despite all the research and evidence about filling nozzles & pipes (anyone from a "clean" state in the USA will know what I mean). And, of course, the obvious safety issues. I've seen a few stations that now require this - really surprised me.


Attacking motorcycles, like BBQs, is easy - most members of the public already dislike motorcycles. Who cares if it is a completely absurd policy, as it allows government the opportunity to appear to be doing something. TIC, and a rational policy-making process isn't in existence.


I am not sure about A plates being restricted about transfers (I have heard that one before, as far back as 2006), but it could be possible (TIC - anything is possible). The most recent attack on A-plate agents has been the new surprise policy of new plate numbers being issued on every transfer - one can no longer "sell" a special number (e.g., 京A 66666). But since around 2008, I have often read many scare tactic stories/rumors about A plates on Chinese forums, usually being written by people who are trying to bring the A-plate prices down. If the government was genuinely serious about reducing A plates, it simply needs to do what Shanghai does and install a policy that permits A-plate holders to trade them in for a car plate. My guess is you'd see at least half the A-plates disappear overnight.


One rumor I have heard concerns public B-plates - i.e., government trying to limit this occurrence (e.g., company registered B-plated bikes). PICC, the largest local insurer of motorcycle insurance, has just been directed to require the registered owner's original ID card/company documents for insurance renewals. There also appears to be some "difficulties" in the annual inspections of company registrations. Both of these are major departures from how things worked as recent as a few months ago.


Obviously, I have zero idea about what the "leaders" are "planning" (my view is that there usually isn't much planning, rather knee-jerk reactions). But if they wanted motorcycles out of the core, they could just do it. And the "pollution" argument is always convenient. I'm not sure how Harley, BMW, Ducati, and so on would react.

Hmm, more additions to the lovely stew that is motorcycle rumors. Also, good insight on those who might be adding to the pot. Still a bit weary about pulling the trigger on the 京A plate.

Will only be here for two more years and the prospect of not being able to (legally) ride my 京B plated bike seems like a smaller risk then losing 5-7万 if sh*t hits the fan and the plates are no longer transferable.

[Lao Jia Hou]

Wow.

From Monday, November 3, 2014 until Wednesday, November 12, 2014 (inclusive) ALL motorcycles are banned from operating anywhere within the 6th Ring Road. That includes both A plated and B plated motorcycles.

Damn APEC.

source

UPDATE: There is a raging debate on a couple of Chinese motorcycle forums about the accuracy and/or legitimacy of this "complete" motorcycle ban. Although the total ban has been reported through several Chinese media outlets, and one English outlet, the PSB has not issued a formal notice. It seems no one really knows what is going on (surprise, surprise). We'll see what happens on Monday.