Topics
 
1.   Shanghai Overview
2.   What you need to ride bike in Shanghai?
3.   Traffic lights confusion
4.   Green light for pedestrians or bike?
5.   Where to park my bike?
6.   Do I need a helmet?
7.   Where can I ride?
8.   Do I need lights riding at night?
9.   Bicycle repair shops and stands
10. Rain and Wet Conditions
 
 
1. Shanghai Overview
Shanghai is the largest city in China in terms of population and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with over 20 million people. Located on China's central eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the city is administered as a municipality of the People's Republic of China with province-level status.
Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai grew to importance in the 19th century due to its favourable port location and as one of the cities opened to foreign trade by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. The city flourished as a center of commerce between east and west, and became a multinational hub of finance and business by the 1930s. However, Shanghai's prosperity was interrupted after the 1949 Communist takeover and the subsequent cessation of foreign investment. Economic reforms in 1990 resulted in intense development and financing in Shanghai, and in 2005 Shanghai became the world's largest cargo port.
The city is an emerging tourist destination renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Bund and Xintiandi, its modern and ever-expanding Pudong skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Centre, and its new reputation as a cosmopolitan center of culture and design. Today, Shanghai is the largest center of commerce and finance in mainland China, and has been described as the "showpiece" of the world's fastest-growing economy.
 
2. What you need to ride bike in Shanghai?
To ride a bike in Shanghai, you do NOT need a license (or a certificate to demonstrate you can ride a bike). You can ride at any roads that allow riding (both foreigners and local residents). There is no classification the skill of your riding.
Make sure to always keep an eye on, pretty much anything that could be a possible danger like people, other cyclists and vehicles that may cut in front of you without warning, or pull out from nowhere.
Also remember that there are many other bikers on a lot of the roads and many people pass you from time to time. They (the passers) will beep there horn to let you know that they are coming up so it's best not to stay in their way (stay on the right side, so they can pass on the left). Well, you'll be hearing the horn going off all the time. It is normal compared to western countries.
 
3. Traffic lights confusion
People get confused about whether bikes should follow the traffic lights.
Well if you are from a western country like USA or Europe you'll know that red means stop (for all vehicles, including bikes) and green means go. So it's best to follow this rule here in Shanghai. Although you will see a lot of people go when it's clear (or when it's not clear.) Since everyone can ride a bike without receiving the right training and education, many people still believes that red lights are still for cars only, and bikes don't need to follow traffic lights. This is dangerous misunderstanding, but when you look at the current traffic situation, you will feel that the saying is reasonable since many people keep riding at red lights.
Obviously, you should follow the traffic lights. In many cross road, there are special sign designed for bicycles (so they have standard lights for cars, for pedestrians, and for bikes).
 
4. Green light for pedestrians or bike?
The other confusing situation for bike riders and pedestrians are, when there are green lights for bikes or pedestrians, cars still go across.
This is because in China, cars are still allowed to make right turn when it is red light (unless there is special red arrow pointing right). Although the traffic rule is, cars need to stop to yield for pedestrians, and pass when it is safe to do so, the general practice is, cars have the right to turn, and pedestrians need to yield for cars. Keep this in mind if you are new to ride in Shanghai.
 
5. Where to park my bike?
Along the road, there are bike parking lots - you will see a lot of bikes there. Some places have bike parking sign, but no-sign does not mean you cannot park. Follow your common sense and don't park your bike in the middle of pedestrian. Make sure to lock it up using a U lock (that locks the wheel) and a wrap lock to use for a pole or something. A lot of places you can park your bike and you pay "the bike watcher" something like one Yuan and this person will watch your bike (along with all the other bikes) for you. Still, you should lock your bike with at least 2 locks including one attached to a fixed object. The bike watcher does not take any responsibility if your bike is stolen.
Most residential areas have a parking area just for bikes (underground, out the back etc.).
 
6. Do I need a helmet?
It is important to have helmet to ride bike, but in Shanghai, helmet is not something related to bike. People never take helmet. This does not mean you don't need to do that.
 
7. Where can I ride?
Some streets do not allow bike. Follow the sign - they have a forbidden sign - a circle with a bike stroked. For other areas, it is OK to ride. It is not OK to ride on walkways, unless with special sign. To violate this rule, you will be fined by policeman if you get caught. In Shanghai, general speaking, cyclists are not allowed on all elevated roads, tunnels and bridges. Also, Huaihai Road, Hengshan Road, Yan An Road, Nanjing Road, Xizang Road, Beijing Road and Fuzhou Road are not allowed to cycle.
 
8. Do I need lights riding at night?
Lights at are not mandatory in China not like in most Western country. However, it’s recommended carrying lights for safety reasons.
 
9. Bicycle repair shops and stands
These little sized shops can be found all over the place, you can identify them with their bike parts hanging around the shop, etc. I think it's quite common to find at least a few of these shops along 1 long road. They are happy to assist you if you have any problems with your bike. If you get a flat tyre, just walk the bike and look for a guy with an air plump standing along the street. Typically, you find see these stands at cross road or in front of a residential compound.
 
10.      Rain and Wet Conditions
When it is wet you need to be VERY careful on the road. Do not travel fast because it is very easy to slip and fall. Other people wearing rain coats may not be able to see you very well. Do pay extra cautions when it’s raining.