Bicycles have long been used for transportation in China. But recently, cycling - the activity or sport of riding a bicycle for exercise - has become popular among the country’s urban middle class. The popularity is, in part, a result of restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Chinese Cycling Association says at least 20 million people in the country participate in cycling. Qiyi, a Beijing cycling club, organized biking events that had about 10,000 participants over the past year. The pandemic has played a part in cycling’s growing popularity as officials moved quickly to close some businesses, including gymnasiums - or places for exercise. Cycling, which can be done individually as well as in groups, has largely been free from restrictions. Lindsay Mo could not exercise indoors after Beijing officials closed gymnasiums in May because of a coronavirus outbreak. So she started cycling and soon fell in love with the sport. “I realized a racing bicycle was quite different than a regular bike,” she said, adding, “It’s very fast and exciting...” For cyclist Yang Lan, the sport also provides an escape from the daily difficulties of life. “With the pandemic ... it seems to be the only way for us to run away from the terrible city life ...” she said.
