The first time I arrived I thought Chengdu drivers owned a particular DNA code which could explain their extra developed senses to move so fast without crashing into each other like a school of fish. After one month I decided to buy my own bike so I took a taxi with my friend, who is a bike expert, to the famous bike street in Chengdu and I bought a second-hand, black and red, big-wheeled, electric bike with a random brake system. As we finished bargaining at 6 PM (Yes, bike sellers are very tough bargainers) we had no choice but to drive together home since rush hour in Chengdu means all taxis will magically be full no matter what.

I would love to say that it was super easy to ride my new toy and we arrived just a few minutes later at our destination, after a peaceful and sunny trip, but this is Chengdu, not a fairytale.

I soon found that I did not possess the DNA code necessary for effortless flight and realized that having someone sitting on the back, combined with a faulty brake system, was the perfect equation for disaster!

Luckily, after just one hour of being lost, crashing into a tree (there aren’t a lot in Chengdu, but obviously enough to crash into), running out of electricity, and receiving meaningful cheers from other drivers to describe our driving skills, we finally managed to push the bike back home.

I’ve been in Chengdu for 9 months now; I have driven nearly ever road and have been lost in nearly every alley from the first ring to the third and I can honestly say that DNA can be changed as I’ve only been in one accident and can now fly like the locals! I love my bike! The freedom it gives me to speed around on my own and discover the city has been one of the most meaningful aspects of my China experience thus far. If you want a fast way to move around, avoid traffic jams, and discover the city from another perspective, I can only advise you to get your own bike and become part of the flight rather than watching it from the ground. 加油!