orange_glory
Warming-Up
- Jun 4, 2009
- 2
- 0
Hey, everyone!
Although I moved here six months ago, I only just recently got a bike, and I am super excited about finally getting back on the road! I have a few things I'd like to find out before I get back on the bike, though. If anyone can tell me some of the following things, I would be very grateful.
1. What sort of lock is recommended/necessary? The one bike shop I have visited so far (Y's Road in Akasaka) didn't seem to even carry U-locks, just cables. I know that Japan is much safer than North America, but is a cable lock sufficient (for a "halfway decent" bike)? How much is bike theft a problem here? What do you recommend?
2. Can anyone recommend a good bike shop, preferably with some staff who speak at least some English? I'm afraid my Japanese is still at the embyonic stage. Is there a good place to get inexpensive helmets (and lights, etc)? (I live in Meguro and work near Shibuya.)
3. Is there anywhere that I can find out about the rules of the road, again in English if possible? I have seen a lot of people ride on the sidewalks; is that required? preferred? forbidden?
4. Finally, what about parking? I've seen "bike parking lots" near stations; I've also seen people just leave their bikes in a mass in varioius places, also usually near stations. Is the latter legal? Safe? I get the impression you can't just lock up to any old street sign like you can in North America.
I would very much appreciate any answers or advice that people can give me. Thanks very much, and I'm sure I'll see some of you on the road!
Although I moved here six months ago, I only just recently got a bike, and I am super excited about finally getting back on the road! I have a few things I'd like to find out before I get back on the bike, though. If anyone can tell me some of the following things, I would be very grateful.
1. What sort of lock is recommended/necessary? The one bike shop I have visited so far (Y's Road in Akasaka) didn't seem to even carry U-locks, just cables. I know that Japan is much safer than North America, but is a cable lock sufficient (for a "halfway decent" bike)? How much is bike theft a problem here? What do you recommend?
2. Can anyone recommend a good bike shop, preferably with some staff who speak at least some English? I'm afraid my Japanese is still at the embyonic stage. Is there a good place to get inexpensive helmets (and lights, etc)? (I live in Meguro and work near Shibuya.)
3. Is there anywhere that I can find out about the rules of the road, again in English if possible? I have seen a lot of people ride on the sidewalks; is that required? preferred? forbidden?
4. Finally, what about parking? I've seen "bike parking lots" near stations; I've also seen people just leave their bikes in a mass in varioius places, also usually near stations. Is the latter legal? Safe? I get the impression you can't just lock up to any old street sign like you can in North America.
I would very much appreciate any answers or advice that people can give me. Thanks very much, and I'm sure I'll see some of you on the road!