Today's theme: China's traffic phenomenon. (Can you tell I'm getting into lesson plan mode?)

The first day we were in Chengdu, a China 10 (current PCV here) said as we were leaving the hotel, "Don't be afraid." I wasn't sure what he meant until I observed the interesting relationship that exists between motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Essentially, the streets of China are hair raising--very few observable rules are adhered to. The car rules the road, and at all times the pedestrian and cyclist must beware. There are crosswalks and walk/don't walk signs just like at home, but the stop lights that hold motorists at bay while walkers cross seem kind of optional, as the drivers often decide to just try their luck at dodging people. For their part, people walking often try to cross streets at will, too, without regard for traffic lights. Keep in mind that there are LOTS of people, and even more cars.

People on bikes, motorcycles and scooters are of a similar mindset in the bike/pedestrian lanes. Every vehicle, whether two- or four-wheeled, comes equipped with a horn or bell to warn away anyone or anything in their path. I personally suspect that half the joy of any journey is in the beeping of the horn--a common sight is a young person on a scooter, cruising down the bike lane, just beeping his horn at nothing. Ahh, the simple things. This always makes me giggle.

When on the larger motorways, lane designations are also suggested, but rarely adhered to. Passing on the right, passing on the left, driving while straddling a lane, sharing a lane. It's all ok. Just as long as you honk your horn before making any sudden moves. Whenever my host family drives anywhere, I try not to pay too much attention to the road. Its better that way, really.

So, all that sounds pretty crazy/scary, doesn't it? The amazing thing is, I have seen no serious accidents since arriving. The worst has been a very minor fender bender, which was great cause for gawking but caused little injury to the cars and none to the passengers. In fact, the drivers, bikers and walkers co-exist blithely--each gliding or darting past the other while appearing totally unconcerned. Lots of honking occurs, but I've yet to witness any road rage, or even much road annoyance, for that matter. The Chinese are just in a hurry to get where they are going, that is all. And if they have to honk madly, dodge an old lady in the crosswalk and pass on the right to do so, then so be it.

All of this is a very long explanation for why PCVs are strictly prohibited from driving any motorized vehicle during our service. There will be no objections from me on this point; I'll leave the driving to the experts.