Another first tier city plans to introduce measures! Can't electric donkeys be ridden casually? Road Section | Data Display | Measures | Citizens | Guangzhou City | Roads | Guangzhou | Bicycles

Electric bicycles have become the preferred means of transportation for many people due to their convenience and speed. However, in some first tier cities, the travel time and area of electric bicycles are tightening.

Recently, the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government issued a notice on the management measures for the passage of electric bicycles, proposing to implement traffic restrictions on electric bicycles in different sections and time periods. Why is Guangzhou planning to introduce the above measures? How does it affect geometry?

Less than 6 people in Guangzhou have 1 electric bicycle that far exceeds the road carrying capacity

Electric bicycles are widely distributed in the streets and alleys of Guangzhou, and are deeply loved by the public. After the above announcement was released, many Guangzhou citizens expressed doubts, "Due to limited road resources in big cities, car restrictions are very common. Why is there a restriction policy for electric bicycles this time?"

In response to citizens' doubts, the Guangzhou Public Security Traffic Management Department previously mentioned in a response that "it has far exceeded the carrying capacity of Guangzhou's existing road traffic and parking resources, and has also had a great impact on the normal traffic order and management of the city."

What is the scale of electric bicycles in Guangzhou? According to data released by the traffic management department, as of the end of March 2023, the registered number of electric bicycles in Guangzhou was 3.22 million.

At the same time, the sales of electric bicycles in Guangzhou are still growing. According to statistics from the Guangdong Electric Bicycle Chamber of Commerce, the sales volume of electric bicycles in Guangzhou in 2021 was 1.1 million units; In 2022, this data increased to 1.2 million vehicles.

According to data released by the Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Statistics, at the end of 2022, the permanent population of Guangzhou was 18.7341 million. This means that in 2022, on average, less than 1 out of 6 people in Guangzhou will own an electric bicycle, and less than 1 out of 16 people will purchase a new car.

Frequent violations and chaos in one year, with over 1.6 million illegal acts

During peak hours in the morning and evening, a large number of electric bicycles flood onto the roads, coupled with incomplete non-motorized vehicle infrastructure and uneven road resources in the central area of Guangzhou, the situation can be imagined.

"During rush hour, the roads are narrow, and electric chickens and three legged chickens drive recklessly, scaring people." Guangzhou resident Lao Dou told China News Finance reporters that when he drives, he often sees electric bicycles running around, and if he is not careful, he will collide with them.

On some specific roads, the above phenomenon is even more severe. According to the Yangcheng Evening News, during the peak hours on the evening of June 8th, there were no non motorized lanes set up on the west third lane of Huangpu Avenue in Guangzhou, resulting in traffic congestion and slow driving.

In about a minute, there were about 24 electric bicycles passing through this area, most of which did not drive on the right side, but mixed with motor vehicles in the middle of the road, and some owners did not wear helmets. Electric bicycles occasionally pass by on the sidewalks next to them, often in the opposite direction.

Traffic chaos leads to frequent violations of electric bicycles. Data shows that in 2022, Guangzhou traffic police investigated and dealt with over 1.6 million cases of electric bicycle traffic violations, including 189 traffic accidents.

"I'm not at ease on the road, and the sidewalks are often filled with electric chickens," Lao Dou added.

What will be the impact of implementing new measures?

According to the Notice of the Guangzhou Municipal People's Government on the Management Measures for the Passage of Electric Bicycles, Guangzhou plans to implement two aspects of management for electric bicycles. Firstly, in terms of time, it includes all day traffic restrictions, daytime traffic restrictions from 7:30am to 7:30pm, and morning and evening peak traffic restrictions; Secondly, in terms of region, the main restricted road sections are concentrated in several central urban areas such as Tianhe District, Haizhu District, Yuexiu District, and Baiyun District.

After learning about the relevant restricted areas, Xuzi, who had just started working in Guangzhou last year, told China News Finance reporters, "The Yizhou Road in front of my house has been designated as a planned restricted section, but it has not been implemented yet, so the specific impact is unclear. There are now two roads to work that can lead to the Guangzhou Bridge, and after the restricted measures are implemented, it may be necessary to take another road to bypass."

There are still many Guangzhou citizens like Xuzi, and many netizens have expressed that they can't stand electric bicycles when driving or walking, but it is very convenient to use them for personal transportation. It's really troublesome to ride them.

And Lao Dou, who often drives and walks, raised his hand to support the related policies of electric bicycle restrictions, saying, "After these roads have no electric chickens, there is no need to be afraid anymore. The traffic order will definitely be better, and taking the elderly and children out is safer."

Some citizens also call on everyone to remain rational. The good solution should not be a one size fits all approach, but to find ways to plan roads, separate motorized and non motorized pedestrians, and increase regulatory penalties.

Tighten up! Measures have been introduced in multiple regions

More than 30 years ago, China was hailed as a "bicycle powerhouse". With the advancement of technology, China has become a "major electric bicycle country" today. The latest data from the China Cycling Association shows that in 2022, the cumulative sales of electric bicycles in China reached about 50 million units, with a total social ownership of 350 million units.

Unlike traditional bicycles, electric bicycles are heavy and fast, and once an accident occurs, the consequences are more serious. Such a large-scale electric bicycle is bound to have an impact on traffic order.

In fact, Guangzhou is not the first city to strengthen management of electric bicycles. At present, multiple cities across the country, including Beijing and Shanghai, have issued regulations requiring electric bicycles that meet the new national standards to be registered and put on the road.

In terms of traffic restrictions, Shenzhen's previous management regulations clearly stated that all electric bicycles and non motorized vehicles are prohibited from passing through the first level restricted zone throughout the day; The second level restricted zone prohibits the passage of electric bicycles except for industries related to people's livelihoods throughout the day.

Beijing also issued a notice in 2016 that 10 roads, including Chang'an Street and its extension, are prohibited from non motorized vehicles except for bicycles.

What do you think about strengthening the management of electric bicycles in cities?