With the exception of Amsterdam, I don't think I have seen so many unusual, or unusually customized, bicycles in one city before. Most of the bikes here are not very expensive, nor in the best condition and many were never kept locked. Those who did lock them often just ran the chain through the back wheel, which is not a major deterrent against theft in most cities.
But here, people seem to trust that no one will bother to steal their bicycle. A testament to honesty, community, or maybe just that the bike is so crappy, who would bother? Either way, they are fascinating to see. Here are a few that have been customized to haul goods.
*UPDATE* my friend Ms. Peng, who is from Beijing, had this explanation of the picture below: "It's a recycling wagon. The guy would tour the neighborhood on it yelling whatever he buys for recycling. Residences can stop him whenever he's around. This has been going on for as long as I can remember. Now I think of it, Chinese people might be the first people on the planet to recycle before all the LEED, Green stuff came out..."
See? No locks! I also like the background here, with the signage and the unusual paintings of the woman's faces in the shop window.
Many I saw were motorbikes, or had been customized with small motors.
This one above looks like it is for an awfully small child. Seems young to be on a motorbike? And this one below is technically a motorcycle, but its a classic and beautiful one, so I am including it :)
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