Shanghai points to problems with its traffic system
Law makers have called for a smarter response to traffic violations committed by both bike and e-bike riders as well as pedestrians — such as illegal parking, speeding and jaywalking.
They also urged police and local authorities "to perfect a non-motor vehicle environment" — principally by separating bikes from motorized vehicles.
A smarter handling of traffic would mean reducing congestion on roads, improving transportation sign systems and optimizing the city’s car parking resources, lawmakers said in a report.
More education on traffic rules is also necessary to familiarize residents with new traffic regulations that took effect in March.
Members of Shanghai's legislature said some non-motorized vehicle lanes and sidewalks are too narrow, making it difficult for bikes and pedestrians to use them, and some roads are especially dangerous because they don't have separate lanes for non-motor vehicles.
Despite added night parking spaces this year, the shortage of car parking spaces remains a big issue in Shanghai, the report said.
In 2016, the city had about 2.22 million parking spaces, including 690,000 in downtown. To meet the increasing demand, the city added 2,430 night parking spaces on roads near residential communities this year, the report added.
Moreover, traffic violations committed by passengers, bike and e-bike riders remain rampant.
In the first half of this year, the city had 76 traffic accidents involving catering delivery men that resulted in injuries or deaths. Several riders were killed as a result of their own traffic violations.
The report also pointed out that the city’s management of the bike sharing industry wasn't keeping up with the sector’s rapid growth, leading to many bikes blocking sidewalks. The city has more than 1.5 million shared bikes.
The report added that some police officers, particularly auxiliary police officers, needed to improve their communication skills when explaining traffic regulations to residents.