Cycling Tips In Tokyo
One of the contents I'm thinking of adding to this site (or even preparing a dedicated website) is a webpage giving advice in English, on cycling in Tokyo. Cycling is a very efficient way to move around central Tokyo and catch the "local flavor", but at the same time may be somewhat challenging for visitors from overseas.
If providing resource for some information, tips on riding, and good places to go on the bicycle might help reduce some nervousness in cycling Tokyo, that would be great. We are also looking into guiding people around Tokyo if we can get some interaction throught this page.
Tokyo locals take things for granted....it was a very interesting experience to take a overseas visitor cycling in Tokyo, and discover how crazy this cycling environment is !
I' m seeking information that would be valuable to Tokyo visitors from abroad that want to ride the bike here.
Comments and advice are welcome folks !
Comments
I am considering teaching abroad in Tokyo, though I don't speak any Japanese.
The deal maker or breaker will be if I can commute to work by bicycle... I know Tokyo is massive, but if you have any insight, I'd really appreciate it.
Posted by: Joseph | June 20, 2006 10:31 PM
Joseph, I think that commuting by bicycle is in fact the best way to commute in Tokyo. Let me introduce a comment from Jun-Kataoka, my most reliable bike shop owner !
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I don't think that it is difficult for you to achieve commuting by bicycle. It's easier than London and NY, because you can be use the walker zone by the situation. But you should care parking cars along the road and air pollution.
Jun
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Posted by: Ats (@nak(a)) | June 22, 2006 1:00 PM
Tokyo isn't massive as you think, in fact it's a fairly easy and compact city to get around on a bike. There are alot of people on bicycles, and alot of people commuting on bikes. If bicycles on Tokyo were too dangerous , that wouldn't be happening :-) Of course there are a few tips that you need know, but would be the same with any other city. I guess it's only a matter of getting
used to. I have experience riding in Manhattan and LA, there's not much difference except the left and right, and in cases more easier to ride.
Besides the advice from Jun-san(being able to ride the walkways and to watch for parked cars), Iwould tell you not to be intimidated by cars honking at you since they just want to let you know they're coming from behind you.
Some of us cyclists in Tokyo are curently planning some contents that we hope will help cyclists like you. I'd be glad to hear what kind of information you'd want to know.
Posted by: Ats (@nak(a)) | June 22, 2006 1:22 PM
Hello.
Do you know of any good areas to go on a long bike ride out of the city? Where I can head to get a bit of nature? I am thinking if I could cycle out from Tokyo and get the train back in? I am new to the city and was wondering if you might have any advice? Thanks
Denis
Posted by: denis | April 15, 2008 3:47 PM
This is very good info and I agree. I've lived here for 7 years and Tokyo is not as big as you might initially think. Once you get your bearings it is relatively easy to negotiate.
You can ride on the sidewalks but be aware that if you run into a pedestrian the accident is your fault.
Posted by: Honor | July 3, 2008 3:17 PM
Hello.
Do you know of any good areas to go on a long bike ride out of the city? Where I can head to get a bit of nature? I am thinking if I could cycle out from Tokyo and get the train back in? I am new to the city and was wondering if you might have any advice? Thanks
Denis
Posted by: denis | September 9, 2008 12:51 AM