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Letter From Shanghai

China’s cycling scene shifts into high gear, boosted by Covid-19, social media

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Many of the cycling groups in Shanghai have a social element, with photo pit stops. Some groups even hire a designated photographer to make sure members can focus on riding while also having social media-worthy shots. guy RNCC founder Ken Goh (in light blue) is in with Harris Luo  (in white).

Credit: Elizabeth Law

Singaporean Ken Goh (in light blue), founder of Ride Now Cycle Club in Shanghai, with fellow bike enthusiast Harris Luo (in white).

ST PHOTO: ELIZABETH LAW

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- In the pre-dawn hours, as much of Shanghai is still asleep, dozens of Lycra-clad individuals can be seen zipping through the city’s streets, past the historic buildings of the old French Concession and across the roaring Huangpu River.

On many days, a tall, slim man can be seen riding beside the pack, occasionally slowing to take pictures of the group before moving to rejoin them.

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