In the warmer months, biking is a quintessential Beijing experience that everyone should try at least once. But anyone who has actually biked on the streets of the capital will also tell you that it can be one of the most harrowing experiences you’ll ever face, what with sidewalks just suddenly disappearing and scooters silently sneaking up on you or zooming against traffic, to name but a few of the dangers. So if you want to cycle through the city, especially with kids, is there a safe way to do it?
Yes, there is! After successfully navigating my way across the city multiple times with my kid in tow (and sometimes in the lead), I want to share the secret of safely going about Beijing by bike, and that is to follow the rivers!
We live near the Fifth Ring Road in east Chaoyang District and the river closest to us is the Tonghui River, which stretches from the Second Ring Road all the way to Tongzhou District for some 15 miles before joining a bigger waterway. My seven-year-old and I cycled about a third of it and back via the riverside pavement, without having to cross any streets and encounter any vehicular traffic, though we did come across the occasional scooter.
The straight, brick path that runs parallel to the river is mostly used by fishing enthusiasts and some daredevil swimmers. Aside from a couple of popular spots, the journey was wonderfully serene. We cycled at a leisurely pace without stopping for just over an hour, which was about as long as my kid lasted. There were also multiple points of entry and exit that would bring you onto the main roads, from where you could quickly get your bearings and quite easily get a Didi.
Another similar cyclist-friendly path can be found following the Wenyu River, which spans 25 miles from the Wenyuhe Park up in Chaoyang north, taking you past the old international airport before it meets up with the Tonghui River in the Wenyuhe park in Tongzhou District (yes, there are two different parks with the same name, so make sure you choose the right one on your map!). While I have yet to attempt the entire journey, I have been on sections of the trail before and it brings you past a dam and even a horse-riding farm in Shunyi!
Here are some other important tips for a safe and fun cycling trip with little ones:
1. Dress appropriately: Always wear shoes and not sandals/slippers! Also, thin long pants that cinch at the ankles worked out great for us by preventing minor knee injuries while not getting caught in the spokes. For beginners, protective gear such as knee and elbow pads, fingerless gloves, and helmets are a must.
2. Sunblock, sunnies or hat: The bright sunshine makes for lovely cycling weather, but the blinding rays of the sun can cause accidents and also create discomfort — not to mention sunburn!
3. Get familiar with the route: I had traveled along the river many times before and knew where I was at all times so that in case of an emergency, I would be able to pinpoint my location or go to the nearest medical facility for assistance.
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Images: Vivienne Tseng-Rush
