Blog@nak

akeome... kotoyoro...

I like the picture of the "boar" street sign!

have a good 2007...

Hi Steven,
The "Wach for boars" sign actually exists (I didn't CG it), this one I took in Shimanami-Kaido. Of course, the sign doesn't say "Happy New Year"...that, I filled in :-)

Your response to suggestions that bicycles be banned from the street, is that bicycles be banned from the footpath?

You obviously don't have children - or don't care if they get killed. The sidewalk is scant protection from cars as it is.

I have an elderly mother, a wife, and two small children. If a law were enacted forcing them to cycle on the road, and they are hit by a car - I will come after you personally.

ryano,
The point I wanted to make in my posting was that bicycles should be given a distinctive position in the traffic ecosystem here in Japan.
I fully understand your concern. Yes, the roadway is dangerous to ride today. My wife is a cyclist, who doesn't like fast roadways as well.
On the otherhand, I have a elderly mother who as a pedestrian has encountered close calls getting hit by a bike on the footpath many times. I feel the reason for the situation both ways is because of the ambiuous position of the bike in Japan.
I'm a idealist, so the bike lane I proposed is of course under the condition that it'd be safe for any cyclists. To make that happen, I would not oppose to rules and exceptions that allow the young and elderly to be on a safe passageway.
In any case, the rules should be clear and enforced, separating cars, pedestrians and the bike.

Lastly, people taking up this topic us are serious thinkers hoping for a good biking environment in Tokyo, so no threats, okay ?