Cycle touring

Question

I am mulling over a cycle trip but am concerned that in some circumstances the only way will be on a motorway and bicycles won't be allowed on the motorway!

Is there any way of knowing from online maps whether bicycles will be allowed on a certain road or not? Has anyone come across this problem?

Answer

Cycle touring in China can be a rewarding experience, but it does come with challenges, particularly regarding road access. China generally prohibits bicycles on expressways and motorways, which are designated for motor vehicles only. Therefore, planning your route carefully is essential to avoid restricted roads.

Using online maps for bicycle route planning:

Baidu Maps: The Chinese mapping service Baidu Maps allows route planning for bicycles. When selecting the “cycling” mode, it will typically avoid expressways and suggest safer roads. However, the interface is in Chinese, so some familiarity with the language or translation tools is useful.
Gaode (Amap) Maps: Another popular Chinese map service, Gaode Maps, also offers bicycle routing. It can provide distance, elevation, and estimated travel time while avoiding restricted roads.
Google Maps: Google Maps in China is limited due to the Great Firewall, but if accessible, it also provides cycling routes in some areas. Note that its data may be less accurate compared to local services.

Tips and common practices:

Always check the “cycling” or “bicycle” mode on local map apps to ensure expressways are avoided.
Look for alternative provincial or local roads that run parallel to expressways. These are often quieter and safer than main roads with heavy traffic.
Be aware that in rural areas, some minor roads may not be well-marked or paved, so having a GPS-enabled device or offline maps can be useful.
Local cycling forums, blogs, and apps often share detailed routes for long-distance cycle touring in China, highlighting restricted roads and scenic alternatives.

Practical considerations:

Carry a paper or offline map as backup in areas with poor mobile signal.
Be prepared to dismount and take a ferry or small local road detour if your planned route encounters an expressway barrier.
Consider joining a guided cycle tour for parts of the trip if you are unfamiliar with local road restrictions or traffic rules.

In summary, while bicycles are not allowed on motorways in China, using local map services in cycling mode, planning alternative routes, and leveraging community-shared cycling guides can help you avoid restricted roads and enjoy a safe and scenic journey.

Cycle touring

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