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Q: Why do cars drive in the bike lane here?
In Beijing, I see cars that are CONSTANTLY driving in the bike lane. I can think of some obvious answers like parking, wanting to make a right turn, but other than that I am stumped. Any guesses?
11 years 38 weeks ago in Health & Safety - Beijing
Traffic in China is very loosely regulated. You cannot compare (and require) Western traffic regulations in China.
Wiki:
To a newcomer, Chinese traffic appears to have no rules or, if there are rules, it appears they are neither followed nor enforced. In reality, of course, there are rules; they do generally manage to avoid hitting each other. However, Chinese rules are very different from what most travelers are used to. To Western eyes, appallingly bad driving is the norm, and insane or suicidal behavior behind the wheel is fairly common.
LOL, but it's true!
Read whole text at Wiki:
If you can do it in China, then just do it. No one cares except for themselves. Driving here is like being in our wild west, except without guns. Every man for himself.
Because Chinese people with cars are higher up on the food chain than Chinese people with bikes. This is also why driving on the sidewalk is fair game.
Why do people walk down the middle of the road like they were taking a stroll in the park? TIC. This Is China.
Probably the same reason that bikes, scooters, and pedestrians intrude into the car lanes with complete reckless abandon. Martian already gave the answer...TIC.
after 5000 years like most senior citizens it is their right to do what they please
Because the bike lane is a road as well in essence!
Many reasons, the simplest of which is over-population/urban density. However, the big picture is what is truly of interest. I maintain that what you are witnessing in day-to-day life here in mainland China is nothing short of a view of the world's future. The inevitable decline into anarchy.
BECAUSE :
1.- There are traffic rules, but no enforcement at all. Traffic Police exists to direct traffic at intersections under a traffic light, or to issue traffic fines for illegal parking when they are too bored.
2.- As a consequence of the above, I do as I please when I please, and damn the rest.
3.- The only right of way enforced, and not all the time, is that the biggest and heaviest continues like nothing, and the smaller and lightest stops to avoid an accident.
4.- Pedestrians, and all drivers, do not look before doing anything, under the theory that if I do not see you, I am not guilty.
Results .....total chaos and anarchy on the streets, as no one respects anything ! 
the same reason the bikes ride in the middle of the street no reason other than its ok its china
Because chinese people don't want to follow any rule, they only feel good when they can gain some small benefit by bringing some inconvenience to others.
Selfishness is the top rule among them.
mArtiAn:
Sorry love, my original (now deleted) comment was really rude. I was drunk. I apologize. Just get a bit angry with generalized statements such as yours, that's all. I have Chinese family and they don't deserve to be labeled poorly as a result of the actions of other people. Sure you understand.
I think they do because they can. If they try it in Holland they're in deep trouble.
Notice the behaviour of walkers on the pavement, there appear to be no rules, but hardly anybody hits anybody else. The Chinese appear to copy the same behaviour on the roads, unfortunately they don't seem to have the same control over their legs as they do their vehicles. Behaviour will change over time. They will learn, be patient.
