Beijing Traffic

Since the government has tried to ban half of all cars from the roads during the Olympics, it's really hard to say what traffic is usually like. Even so, it is pretty crowded, and it's clear that concepts like "right of way" don't mean the same thing here.

We've all heard that cars have become very popular in China recently. If you look at the cars on the road, you should notice that there are no old cars on the road. None. I did see one old three-wheeled truck, but otherwise the cars are all within a few years old. The car craze is pretty recent.

Despite the car craze, there are lots bicycle-type vehicles. The old stuff includes bicycles and three-wheeled vehicles, both pedal and gas powered. Scooters and mopeds are very popular. Many, if not most, are battery powered.

People commute with passengers...



... go places with the family...



... make deliveries for the business...



and even haul merchandise to the flea market.



The covered three-wheel motor scooters are interesting. Some look very old. This one seems newer. People haul goods or passengers in the back.



As with any sport-utility vehicle, they're a little more subject to overturning.