Actually you got it spot on !!!! 
Except maybe the speed, rarely more than a quick trot in the morning rush hour, though that is far quicker than any of the cars or buses.
HRH is too valuable to be allowed such dangerous activities without a 'minder', I am becoming half Chinese I think ! and anyway I usually have mornings free so gives me a hilarious run out around town, on the way back I stop off for a bit to watch the group dancing all over the place, the retired folk swimming in the Li river under the bridge, fishermen, odd peopole washing or washing their clothes in the river - you know interesting stuff that you don't get when so many rules and laws stop you 