Cyclists on the road in Jiading district Photo: Yang Hui/GT

Shanghai is a cyclist's dream, whether it be cruising beneath the plane trees of the former French concession, gliding along the bank of Suzhou Creek, or negotiating the crazy driving and pollution of Xujiahui during rush hour.

Okay, so the city does have its downsides when it comes to getting around on two wheels. Indeed, in a recent survey, the city's lack of cycle lanes came out as one of top gripes among expats living here. This was not only out of concern for cyclists, but also for pedestrians who have to regularly contend with cyclists on the sidewalk.

The Global Times recently donned its lycra and jumped on its Forever-brand bike to catch up with some of the city's expat cyclists, and ask them how they felt about bike riding in Shanghai.

Josie Parker, teacher, the US

I've been living here for five years and have been cycling all that time. You hear horror stories from some people, and I still know one or two people who say they will never cycle in Shanghai. They think it's too dangerous. But I think they're wrong. I've never had any huge problem.

You just need to learn how the rules work here. Forget what you know about your home country and go with the flow! I don't think extra cycle lanes are the problem - they already have them here, and no one respects them, so adding more isn't going to help.

Mark Halsmore, student, the US

Of course riding on the sidewalks is wrong, but I've never seen anyone get stopped by a police officer or traffic warden and told off for it, so of course people still do it. Adding in extra measures will do nothing without some kind of enforcement of the rules. The same with a lot of things, like the smoking ban, and bad driving in general.

Back home, if you were caught riding a moped on the sidewalk, you'd be stopped and fined, and people on the street would tell you to stop. China needs more of that kind of thing.

Laura Eggerton, designer, the US

I used to cycle a lot more than I do now. It's nothing really to do with the safety issue. Although traffic is getting worse and worse - it's just I'm getting lazier. Also, at the height of summer and in winter, the weather makes cycling impractical.

But in other ways Shanghai is actually really good for cycling, as it is so flat here. Especially in spring and autumn, it is the best way to see the city and get to know it. I think more cycleways is definitely a good idea, and they need to do something to separate cycles and motorbikes.

Frank, student, Germany

I think that the traffic is a problem here for cyclists, but an even bigger problem is the pollution. I used to cycle a lot, but not so much now, mainly because of the pollution. Even with a mask, I couldn't bear it. It is a shame as before I used to enjoy cycling in Shanghai - it was a cheap and convenient way to get about, especially as most of the places I go to are in the center. I suppose if there were more cycle lanes, and more encouragement to get people out of cars and on to bikes, then that would be a good thing, and it would help to cut the pollution too. But that's not going to happen - people love their cars too much and they are seen as a status symbol.

No-bike rules don't work for every cyclist. Photo: IC

Jan van de Groot, student, the Netherlands

More cycle lanes would be a good thing, if only to stop people from cycling on the sidewalk. Cyclists seem to think they can go anywhere and do anything, and act as if they have right of way on sidewalks. It annoys me when someone is behind me on their bike ringing their bell as if I should get out of the way. I usually make a point by just walking more slowly. But most people seem quite prepared to get out of the way and let them carry on. More education is needed, and action by the police to stop people and punish them if they are found riding on the pavements.

Mark Flowers, lawyer, the UK

I love cycling here. I actually find Shanghai safer to cycle in than back home (London) because the roads here are wider. While it may seem a bit chaotic to the untrained eye, once you get into the swing of it, cycling here feels really safe.

In London, cars go a lot faster in general, and the cycle lanes are narrower, making it harder to avoid traffic. A lot of people get in accidents because they get trapped between the traffic and the side of the road with no way out. However, cycling on the pavements is a lot more of a problem here than in London. Everyone here seems to do it, and no one seems to do anything to stop it.

Elizabeth Tanner, teacher, the UK

Back home I would go on long bike rides at the weekend, but not here. I tried biking outside of the city once and, as soon as you get out of the center, it's really dangerous. Lots of big trucks that don't leave any space when they pass you, and lots of dust and just crazy driving.

Sure, the city center is more friendly for bikes, but I find public transport here so convenient that I usually can't be bothered with the hassle of cycling.