Bikers on a busy street

BEIJING (CNN) -- Thousands of bicyclists have suffered a defeat at the hand of the capital's burgeoning number of car drivers. Not long ago, bicycles were kings of the road, but now they are banned from a busy street during the day.

Just over a week ago, municipal authorities outlawed cycling on Xisidong-dajie street from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Authorities said the 300-meter-long road, which runs through a bustling shopping district, would be reserved for cars and pedestrians. Cyclists are allowed through if they push their bikes.

The ban became necessary because the thousands of bicycles frequently created traffic jams, said public security and transport officials.

Motorists welcomed the ban. "I really loathe those bikes. I hate it when they block my way," a motorist told CNN.

But for the vast majority of Beijing citizens who cannot afford a car, the decision was annoying.

"It's really inconvenient for me," a cyclist complained, saying the trip home after work now takes longer.

Shop owners along the street also were unhappy. The drop in cyclists passing through means less business.

Policemen now stand at the mouth of the street, shooing confused bikers away, or making them walk. The success of the ban remains to be seen, but for now, in some parts of Beijing, it signals that four wheels are more powerful than two.