A taxi crashed into a fast-walking group in Linyi, east China’s Shandong Province last weekend, causing one death and two injuries. 

Police said both the taxi driver and the walking group bear responsibility for the tragedy, as the group was walking in a vehicle lane. 

Photo from China News Service

Fast-walking has become a popular group exercise for the elderly across China in recent years. It usually involves dozens of people walking and chanting slogans, accompanied by loud music. 

“It releases my pressure and I feel much healthier now. That’s why I walk every evening,” Ms Zhang told Qilu News, the local media in Shandong Province.

CFP Photo

Mr Liu has been walking for five years, and is proud to be part of the group. “At first, only four or five friends walked together. Now there are at least 50 to 60 people, and sometimes, 200 to 300 people walk together. The queue is like a train, what a spectacular view!”

“We walk nine kilometers every day. All participants feel the passion of life during the one-hour walk,” Mr Liu continued. 

CFP Photo

However, opponents say that such an activity not only disturbs others’ lives, but also poses a grave threat to road safety.

“I am not against working out, but a group of people walking and chanting in front of your house every day is disturbing. We have talked with the group and authorities, but it is yet to be handled properly,” said Mr Zhang. 

Photo from Langya.cn, a website featuring local news in Linyi, Shandong Province

Others say the groups sometimes walk in vehicle lanes, or even go against the direction of traffic. 

A number of media editorials across China have warned the walking groups to abide by the laws and safety regulations.