NPC Deputy Sets Example, Calls for Environmental Protection

Wu Bixia, deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music, rides her bicycle to the Beijing delegation station for the Second Session of the 12th NPC on March 3. [cntv.cn]

Wu Bixia, deputy to the National People's Congress (NPC) and a professor at the Central Conservatory of Music, rode her bicycle to the Beijing delegation station for the Second Session of the 12th NPC on March 3, setting an example for people to call for environmental protection.

This is the third time that Wu has ridden her bicycle to attend the annual congress.

"It just takes me 15 minutes to ride a bicycle here from my house," she said, adding that she likes riding a bicycle and sees it as a means of transport as well as a form of exercise.

"Riding a bicycle is just a lifestyle and I hope the public regards it as an ordinary thing," she said.

But due to the smog, which has been more serious than usual recently, Wu said she usually wears a mask to protect her voice, although she did not wear one that day.

In previous years, Wu had always driven in a car to report to Congress. However, to show how she is in agreement with the national advocacy of low-carbon environmental ideas, Wu has taken to riding a bicycle, and has stated that it is both helpful for her health as well as environmentally conscious. Due to these reasons, Wu has been riding her bicycle since 2012.

Wu said she rides her bicycle to and from work every day, which takes her about 40 minutes each way.

"The bicycle path is too narrow and is often occupied by cars and motorbikes in Beijing. This has lead to cyclists riding their bikes on the main road usually reserved for cars, which is quite dangerous," said Wu, adding that the problem of parking management urgently needs to be solved, in order to create better conditions for cyclists.

Since winning prizes in a series of major international vocal competitions, Wu has held dozens of solo concerts at home and abroad. The Western press have called her a 'vocal angel from the east' with 'a voice that makes the world sit up and listen'.

As a singer and teacher, Wu said she will make proposals on cultural development and education at this year's session.