Problems? Ask a cop, says Exit-Entry dept

Some 60 foreign students from Beijing universities met with officers of the Exit and Entry Administration Department yesterday, who answered questions on issues such as visas, traffic safety, and regulations for driving motorbikes in Beijing, in a bid to enhance their legal awareness.

The students, from six local universities, sat with the officers at Beijing Normal University (BNU) and sought answers to their main concerns while they are studying in the capital.

"It's illegal to ride an unregistered motorcycle on the road without a driving license," said Ding Jie, a deputy division chief with the department.

Many foreign students in Beijing ride motorcycles or electric bikes, but do not know about the policy and there have been accidents, Ding told the Global Times. Two South Koreans died after drunk driving a motorcycle in Haidian district last year, he said.

"Not all types of motorcycles and electric bikes can be registered with a license plate in Beijing, and larger bikes are more dangerous for foreigners who may not be familiar with the local traffic rules," said Zhang Jinwei with the Haidian traffic management team.

Officers warned students of the possible dangers illegal driving might lead to, and explained the current traffic policies and regulations in Beijing.

Safety on and off campus was another issue discussed, as students talked about their own experiences and officers offered practical suggestions.

"What shall I do if me and a Chinese is involved in a traffic accident?" asked Czech student Oliver Steindler, who attends Beijing Foreign Studies University. He said one of his friends was "blackmailed" by a Chinese after their bikes collided and the Chinese cyclist asked for 2,000 yuan ($317) for medical treatment, although doctors said he was fine.

Ding said calling the police is the first thing they should do, the same as if they were involved in any fraud, especially fraud through text messages that bothers a lot of students.

Most of the students, who asked questions in Chinese, seemed to be happy with the responses they received.