The Chinese have a very different interpretation of traffic signs. For example, while the red flashing man carries the same command in this country (ie. don’t cross), the green flashing man does not. Instead it means “please-now-be-extra-careful-because-you-think-you-can-cross-safely-but-cars-will-still-attempt-to-run-you-down”. And like in the States, at some crossings you get a countdown. However, unlike the States, here you are expected to cross ridiculously wide streets in as little as 3 seconds.
So despite the fact that even as a pedestrian I come close to being run over at least 678 times in a normal day, I submitted to peer pressure and bought a bike. I not only bought a bike, I bought a red bike. And I got a basket installed. I now more feel more Chinese than dumplings and pork buns (combined).
