Exactly how many bicycles there are in China is not certain. Every household has on average one to two bikes. Beijing, for example, has a population of over 10 million, and the number of bikes stands at 8.26 million.
Bike riding is, therefore, a good way to explore life in China.
Bush's biking experience in Beijing may have something to do with his acclaimed knowledge about China. Riding a bicycle means you have joined the Chinese. A bike will take you to alleyways and hutong, to which other means of transportation do not usually have access. You can enjoy street scenes, visit small museums of celebrities, and call on residents' homes. You also have an additional advantage of freedom of movement-you can stop wherever you want.