Cycling does free one up, but the fact is Beijing drivers are casually homicidal. I've cycled a good bit in various cities Stateside, in Europe, and Thailand. All ll I have to say about Beijing is that I salute the city for "empowering" the blind by putting them behind a car's wheel. I do thank you for pointing out the pluses of cycling in Beijing.
Came here to comment on the uncivilized scooter riders and saw I already did last month.