Beijing Strengthens Traffic Regulations for Safer Roads

Beijing's traffic authorities say they intend to crack down harder on traffic violations, especially at vital city intersections. The focus is on a myriad of infractions like motorists ignoring traffic signals, failing to yield to pedestrians, and non-motorized vehicles flouting traffic rules or traveling against traffic.

Authorities aren't just zeroing in on motor vehicles pulling stunts like running red lights, disrespecting zebra crossings, and playing fast and loose with lane discipline. They're also turning their attention to culprits like e-bikes and bicycles, which along with the previously stated offenses are guilty of traveling against traffic on roadways and commandeering sidewalks for their use. Even pedestrians are being scrutinized for their behavior such as crossing the road when the light is red or walking in designated bike lanes.

We're beginning to see a shift in Beijing's traffic management. Earlier this year, for instance, volunteers were seen preventing e-bikes and scooters from driving into oncoming traffic during red lights and from encroaching on the sidewalks.

Observations from around Dongzhimen also reveal active efforts to stop cyclists and e-bikes from riding in the wrong direction in bike lanes.

Some of these initiatives have been short lived. The efforts to manage e-bike traffic by volunteers, for instance, only lasted a few weeks this summer.

Nevertheless, effective traffic regulation is a time-consuming process. The public reaction to the Beijing Traffic Bureau's attempts to tighten rules has been largely positive. Many netizens welcomed the move, expressing hope that the new regulations would effectively manage vehicles misusing non-motor lanes. Whether motor or non-motor vehicles, they all need to adhere to traffic laws and face penalties for non-compliance, one user noted.

Some users highlighted the disruptive behavior of delivery vehicles. "We often see these delivery riders zipping through the streets at high speeds. It would be great if some form of regulation could curb that," one user commented. Another mentioned the frequent sight of delivery riders intruding on pedestrian lanes, expressing a desire for stricter control over such practices.

One user suggested, "We should keep non-motor vehicle lanes exclusively for non-motor vehicles and discourage motor vehicles from using or parking in these lanes. Similarly, pedestrian lanes should be reclaimed for pedestrians, eliminating indiscriminate parking by non-motor vehicles."

READ: Getting to Know Your Beijing Neighbors: E.T.C. Werner 

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