Your place on the road
Ride on the right. Use the non-motor vehicle lane where provided; without one, ride along the right side of the carriageway. Follow signals, signs and traffic police instructions. Bicycles are prohibited on expressways. These are national principles, not permission to use every road.
Scope: mainland China · Source checked 2026-10-15
Intersections & turns
Slow down and signal before turning. Turning riders yield to through traffic and pedestrians. At a stop signal, wait before the stop line. When crossing motor lanes mid-block, dismount and use crossing facilities where available.
Scope: mainland China · Source checked 2026-10-15
Ordinary bikes & e-bikes
The minimum road-riding age is 12 for bicycles and 16 for e-bikes. Do not ride while drunk or add a motor to an ordinary bicycle. E-bike registration, equipment and local helmet rules require separate local checks.
Scope: mainland China · Source checked 2026-10-15
Read signs before following a map
Look for bicycle symbols, lane markings, no-entry signs and temporary barriers. A navigation suggestion does not establish legal access. Stop somewhere safe to translate an unfamiliar sign. Local restrictions and police directions take priority.
Be seen, day and night
Wear a well-fitting cycling helmet. Use a white front light, red rear light and reflective details in low light; avoid dazzling others. Check batteries before leaving. This is safety advice, not a claim that a universal national bicycle helmet rule applies. Check local requirements.
Ride predictably together
Keep space to brake and avoid overlapping wheels. Agree on signals and regroup off the carriageway. Keep groups small and use single file when space is limited. Never treat an open public road as a closed race course.
Different roads, different risks
In cities, expect junctions, delivery riders, opening car doors and pedestrians. On mountain roads, allow for blind bends, debris and long descents. Do not assume the yielding habits or lane layouts of your home country apply here. Slow down when uncertain.
Plan carefully. Check current local laws, weather and road conditions before every ride. Read our disclaimer ↗