Cabs, the underground, driving. . . in London these modes of transport are expensive. As

Cabs, the underground, driving. . . in London these modes of transport are expensive. As a student on a budget, I couldn’t afford the 30 pounds fare for a cab. Even a bus was one pound and 20 pence for a single ticket. I didn’t need to travel this way anyway. I had Mabel—my London bike.

When I moved to Beijing, like every foreigner, I was delighted to discover I could take a cab for cheaper than a single journey on the “Tube”. But something was wrong. I missed Mabel. That was when I met Mandarin Mabel, also known as Mandy, my Beijing bike.

In many ways, Beijing is made for cycling. It is flat, an easy terrain(地形)compared with hilly London. The city’s north/south/east/west grid structure is also easier to navigate(确定路线)than London’s unplanned, twisting(曲折的)streets.

However, Beijing comes completely with its own dangers. The rules of the road are flexible(灵活的). Bikes, cars and pedestrians(行人)all float up and down lanes in both directions.

Compared with London’s terrible cycle paths, in Beijing, every road has a huge, wide cycle lane. But cars, cabs and motorbikes see no reason why they shouldn’t use these as a shortcut, and why they shouldn’t beep(鸣笛)at you to get out of their way when they do.

Despite the beeping, though, Beijing traffic is more good-natured. In London, the road is an active war zone. People shout, swear(咒骂)and beat on each other’s windows.

Beijing drivers never get actively angry. In fact, often they even don’t see cyclists. Obviously that means it’s up to the cyclist to see them.

　　Mandy is a true Beijing bike. She is rusty(生锈的), she makes loud noises every time you push her pedals(踏板)and I have had to make several emergency repair stops for her.

　　But cycling around Beijing on a sunny day is a joy. It is just me, Mandy and the city.

6. What does the author want to do?

A. To tell us what makes the author love cycling.

B. To compare cycling in Beijing with that in London.

C. To introduce the differences between Mabel and Mandy.

D. To explain why Beijing is made for cycling.

7. What can we conclude from the first paragraph?

A. Bicycles are the most popular means of transport in London.

B. To save money, the author used to travel around by bus in London.

C. The expense of public transport makes some people want to buy a bike.

D. The author didn’t travel around London because of the high cost of public transport.

8. What does the author think of cycling around Beijing?

A. The city’s twisting streets make it hard for the rider to find the way.

B. Cars, cabs and motorbikes on the cycle lane pose a threat to cyclists.

C. With the flat terrain and wide cycle lanes, it’s safer to cycle in Beijing than in London.

D. The traffic in Beijing is worse than that in London due to the city’s flexible road rules.

9. Which of the following is TRUE according to the article?

A. In the author’s view, Beijing drivers are less polite than London drivers.

B. In London, cars, cabs and motorbikes are allowed to use the cycle paths.

C. People in Beijing are at ease about traffic rules.

D. Mandy breaks down so easily that it makes the author miss her London bike Mabel.

BCBC