bikes and trains

the sight of bicycles on trains in japan, much like in france and italy, is rare. however the reality of taking a bike on a train is made particularly easy with the use of a bag.

japan, in being the 3rd biggest user of bikes after China and the US, have many bike related problems not least parking, theft and accidents (cyclists account for approximately 10% of the 9,000 road accident deaths each year - but this figure appears to be dropping - source: national police agency).

The positives surely outweigh the negatives though, as vast numbers commute, shop and even use cycling as a sport (there are approximately 1 bike per person of working age in japan).

bikes generally still have a slight stigma of poverty attached to them, and this is exaggerated as the japanese hunger for bigger and better automobiles continues to thrive (despite ingenious compact deisgns available).

so bikes are not commonly found on trains which could give the impression that they are prohibited. they are however, generally welcome - with only the condition they are wrapped and made an acceptable size (generally governed by the size of a large bike bag - that is to say, 1 wheel removed and stowed). on local trains a charge is not requested but bikes are not encouraged at peak times.

cheap bags can be bought from around ￥1000 but a decent one for a road bike (needing 2 wheels removed and stowed) and in a rip-stop fabric would be around ￥5000 (US$50). these come witha little reinforcement where the chainring and rear derrailleur come in contact.