Emmanuelle Williamson rides a bike during a regular Friday event along the Dasha River in Nanshan District.
Williamson (2nd R) and her cycling team members during an event.
Frenchwoman Emmanuelle Williamson heads the Shenzhen Women's International Club (SWIC) Pelotonnette cycling group. To further showcase their dedication, they designed custom jerseys featuring a spoonbill — inspired by a distinctive statue they pass regularly along the Dasha River.
Active for approximately four years, the team has around 40 members. During their outings, anywhere from two to 15 members participate at a time. "We cycle every Friday," she told Shenzhen Daily.
Williamson credits her husband for sparking her love of cycling — he commutes 30 kilometers from their Nanshan apartment to his job at Huawei in Bantian. "For him, cycling is a way to exercise as he does not have enough time to go to gyms," she explained.
Cycling as a lifestyle choice
"Cycling is a lifestyle for us," Williamson told Shenzhen Daily. Her favorite cycling route is along the Dasha River because of its verdant surroundings and diverse recreational activities.
"Each time I cycle along the Dasha River, I see something new — people engaging in activities like tai chi and qigong. It's amazing. We see people playing different musical instruments. It was so relaxing."
Having cycled across several regions in China, Williamson was particularly captivated by the cycling expedition in Xizang, citing the stunning landscapes and warm hospitality extended by the locals. "The people [in Xizang] lead a simple life and welcome visitors with beautiful smiles," she reminisced.
Stephen Pellerine, a cycling enthusiast from Canada, finds solace in navigating trails. Cycling has been an integral part of his life for over four decades. "Part of my core comes from cycling," he said.
"I think in Shenzhen, Dapeng is one of the best places for cycling. I have been here for a few years. Every year, it gets a little better," Pellerine said.
He continually marvels at the scenic landscapes Dapeng offers cyclists. "If you are cycling from the inner city, you see beautiful vistas like this — it's incredible."
Pellerine, the principal of RDF International School in Dapeng New Area, established a cycling team at the school last year. Presently, he leads a 14-member student cycling team through Dapeng's picturesque routes every Monday afternoon.
'Bicycle-friendly city'
Shenzhen, which is renowned for its rapid economic growth and "Shenzhen Speed," also fosters a slower pace of life, especially through its encouragement of cycling. It has prioritized the development of a slow transportation system, deeming it a vital community project.
The "Shenzhen Bicycle Traffic Development Plan (2021-2035)" outlines the city's goal of establishing a top-tier bicycle transportation system that is safe, continuous, convenient, and comfortable. The plan includes an annual construction target of at least 300 kilometers of non-motorized vehicle lanes to enhance Shenzhen's status as a "bicycle-friendly city."
When asked about how Shenzhen's cycling environment could be improved, Williamson proposed the development of a dedicated app that allows users to find safe cycling lanes.
She also stressed the importance of enhanced public education to promote safety awareness. She stated that discouraging pedestrians from using cycling lanes is important because it is a hazardous practice. "It can be a little bit dangerous, especially when people walk on the [bicycle] lanes with their very small children, so we have to be very vigilant during the cycling," she cautioned.
Pellerine appreciates the seamless cycling experience the city offers. "In the most congested parts of Shenzhen, you can cycle without encountering traffic. The abundance of shoulder roads designated for bicycles ensures safety by keeping bikes separate from cars," he said. "Shenzhen is one of the world's mega cities, it was surprising to me to find such facilities here."