The Bicycle In Japan

One regarding first things that foreigners arriving in Japan areoften surprised byare thevast many bicycles that shall be seencareening throughthe village streets and sidewalks. Almost everyone, from grandmothersto well dressed businessmen on their method to officeuse a jitensha bicycle like a shape of mainstream transportation. Whetheremployed forpicking up thechildren from preschool, pedaling to nearest train station, or commuting to work or university,the bicycle has grow to an integral component of Japanese society. Even the police, who can many times be seen creating nightly rounds on bicycles, prefer them in regard to navigatingthe narrow network ofstreetsthatcomprisemost Japanesecities and towns. The 3 wheelersare indeed everywhere, and to such an extent that hugeparking regions near most shopping centers and railway stations are dedicated solely to accommodating bicycles.

Despite theirconvenience and appeal as acheap shape of transportation, they arealso a primary annoyance and likely physical threat to thoseriders and pedestrianswho fail to learn the rules regarding the road. Those rules being:that there exists no rules regarding the road. In theory bicycles by laware to be ridden only on village streets and not sidewalks, except when signs indicate otherwise. In reality however this regulation isentirely ignored by everyone. More times than I like to do not forget I've located myself jumping out regarding the method ofsome over zealous cyclist whodecided the path of fewest resistance should be to sprint directly over me.

Or felt the sudden swoosh of space touch my arm like a crazed biker appearing out of nowhere like someinvisible phantom within the night sped manically byfrom behindas I leisurely sauntered home. In spite of thesepitfallsthe bicycle in Japan for better or worseis here to stay, and as the saying goes, whether you cannot beat em join em. For those of you who are considering purchasing oneupon arriving you shall be pleasedto have knowledge of they are quiteinexpensive, the average costrunning around 10,000 yen, and used bicycles are available for even less. The highest many common bicycles for everyday use are typically one velocity models with steel frames which includea kickstand, generator lights,fenders, caliper front brake and disk rearbrake, and a steel mesh basket that is attached to handle bars for carrying groceries and other items.