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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

11 Reasons Why Bicycling in the U.S. Is Exceptionally Dangerous...and why We Love Kyoto

アメリカでサイクリングする危険さの原因11つ

Cycling in the United States is not merely aggravating - for both cyclists and drivers of gasoline- and oil-burning vehicles - it is also dangerous.

Recent statistics from the OECD show that the United States, mile for mile, is the most dangerous place in the advanced world to cycle.

Here are a few choice stats thanks to Matt Phillips:

*Roughly “17% of all cycling fatalities were involved in a hit-and-run crash in which one (or several) of their crash opponents fled the scene (2005-2011, FARS) – presumably the motorist(s). This is nearly four times the rate of hit-and-run involvement for all recorded traffic fatalities over the same period in the United States (4%).”
*“Investigating officers on the scene of fatal bicycle crashes in the United States found no contributory factor on the part of the motorist in 46% of cases.”
*“An overwhelming majority of fatal bicycle crashes occur in dry or clear atmospheric conditions – 94% in the USA and 87% in Europe.”
*“One quarter of (deceased) cyclists for which an alcohol test was performed returned blood alcohol values above 0.08 mg/ltr which constitutes a drink-driving offense in all 50 US states.”
*“In the United States, most fatal bicycle-vehicle collisions involved a passenger car or light truck (Sports Utility Vehicle) though 10% of fatal bicycle collisions involved a large truck.”
OECD
*“In the United States, 36% of all fatal bicycle crashes for the period 2005-2011 occurred in junctions with another 4% in driveways (commercial and private) most likely caused by entering or exiting motor vehicles.”
*“In the United States, the share of fatal bicycle crashes occurring in low-speed zones was lower than in Europe – possibly because low-speed traffic calmed zones are relatively less common in the United States.”
*“In the United States, 27% of deceased cyclists for which helmet use was recorded wore helmets in 2010 and 2011.”
*“Red light running by cyclists … is an often-cited contributory factor in fatal and serious injury bicycle crashes (at least in the United States).”
*“Motorists were charged with traffic violations in nearly one third of all fatal bicycle crashes and investigating officers identified a crash-contributing factor on the part of the motorist in over half of all fatal bicycle crashes.”
*“Data from the United States indicate that cyclists were imputed with an improper action in 68% of fatal bicycle crashes (though, as noted earlier, this may be biased as the cyclist was not able to give their version of events).”

Japan, in spite of a lack of infrastructure, is much safer thanks primarily we think because of greater awareness on the part of drivers.

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Sunday, December 29, 2013

World Cycling News 29 December 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年12月29日

More bicyclists means fewer accidents, Phila. finds philly.com

Chris Froome: Tour de France winner signs new Team Sky deal BBC

Cycling down the world’s most dangerous road London Cyclist

Vélo au Sénégal - Trid-tour 2013.wmv YouTube

Most interesting cycling races of 2014 Guardian

La 'extra' por ir en bici El Pais

禁止薬物に対する更なる意識の向上の必要性
ジャパンカップ優勝のロジャースに続き、ブレインがクレンブテロール陽性反応、直後に自殺未遂、共通するキーワードは中国でのレース、今問われるチームと個人の食事管理体制 Cycling Time

New Welsh cycling law ‘must be copied’ The Times of London

Froome signs on for Team Sky again in 2014 Yahoo

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Friday, December 27, 2013

You can run over a pedestrian, but don't disturb my flight

歩行者を車ではねていいけれど機内にじゃまにならないように!

Here is an interesting take on the use of cell phones and public transportation in the United States from WASHCYCLE.

I first complained about this on twitter in response to stories that Congress wanted to ban in-flight calls on airplanes for reasons of comfort.

“Simply put, the flying experience in the United States would be forever changed for the worse if voice calls are allowed on flights,” added Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.)

Whatever you might think about that*, it does seem odd that their is a panic about banning phone calls by passengers on airplanes, but no urgency for banning phone calls by drivers of cars. Someone pointed out that traffic laws are not in the federal perview the same way that transcontinental flights are. Fair enough - though congress did use a pretty big stick to get states to raise their drinking age and they could do the same here. But now we have local officials weighing in on this.

[Vincent] Orange found time to introduce a resolution that would discourage using cell phones in planes while in the air. It is very appropriately titled "Sense Of The Council Discouraging In-flight Cell Phone Calls Resolution Of 2013."

So, banning in-flight phone calls for reasons of comfort is important, but banning phone calls by drivers is not. Because we all know what is really important.

For more, click here.

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Thursday, December 26, 2013

Elephant Factory Coffee Kyoto Cycling

エレファント ファクトリー コーヒー京都自転車で

Tucked away in a small side street between Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi in central Kyoto is one of the best cafes in the city.

The quirky Elephant Factory Coffee serves up artisanal coffee - slowly.

The coffee is wonderful, the space tight, and tables full.

From the old Maruzen book store on Kawaramachi - now a junky karaoke place, head down the east-west street towards Kiyamachi.

At the first small street - alley - turn right.

The cafe is on the left on the second floor.

For bean freaks, this is the place to head.

Cyclists should avoid Kawaramachi. Ride down Kiyamachi and park wherever you can.

Information

Address in Japanese:
京都府京都市中京区蛸薬師通木屋町東入ル備前島町309-4 HKビル 2F
Telephone:
075 212 1808



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Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Cycling Kyoto Christmas 2013

メリークリスマスを自転車で京都ぶらぶら

December 25 this year falls on a Wednesday.

In Kyoto, that means it is a normal work day. Post offices are open, salarymen pack trains, and the world goes on its normal workaday end-of-year rhythm.

Many companies are closing down for the new year's holidays, and there is a bit of a buzz in the air as all prepare to eat, drink, and do nothing for several days to welcome 2014.

Here is wishing for a healthy and safe 2014 - and the wind at your back.

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Sunday, December 22, 2013

World Cycling News 22 December 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年12月22日

SF Police Face New Scrutiny Of How Bicycle Crashes Are Investigated CBS

London cyclists: Fifth of riders 'stop bike-commuting' BBC

Waterproof Jackets: 3 of the best London Cyclist

Rallier LE CAP DE BONNE ESPERANCE (AFRIQUE DU SUD) à partir de GREOUX-LES-BAINS (France) en utilisant au maximum comme moyen de locomotion : LE VELO Zag'Afrique

Cyclists stage 'die-in' at Vauxhall bridge over road safety Guardian

La bicicleta ‘fotosintética’ El Pais

禁止薬物に対する更なる意識の向上の必要性
ジャパンカップ優勝のロジャースに続き、ブレインがクレンブテロール陽性反応、直後に自殺未遂、共通するキーワードは中国でのレース、今問われるチームと個人の食事管理体制 Cycling Time

Boris denies police operation ‘picking on cyclists’ The Times of London

Rogers blames positive test on Chinese food Yahoo

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Thursday, December 19, 2013

Kyoto Arashiyama Illumination 2013

嵐山は元気です 「花灯路」始まる印刷用画面を開く

The annual illumination in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is now underway.

Every evening from about 5 pm until 8:30, the area's famed bridge - Togetsukyo - is lit up.

Some 2500 tiny lights have been set up on the bridge supports.

The illumination takes place every night until December 23rd.

Cyclists should try to park a few blocks from the bridge and then walk.


Photo © Kyoto Shinbun

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Tuesday, December 17, 2013

New Bike Regulations in Japan

Kyoto Sidewalk Cycling新しい自転車法2014年

As of January 1, 2014, bicycles in Japan will no longer be allowed on sidewalks.

Instead, they should ride with traffic on the left side of the road.

This sounds logical enough.

Pedestrians should be able to walk on a sidewalk without fear of being hit by a cyclist.

However, we suspect that the law will not be enforced, or perhaps only enforced in pre-announced police campaigns. Once the campaign period is over - no more enforcement.

Moreover, cycling on sidewalks in urban Japan is often the safer - though slower - alternative.

As Amy Chavez notes,

"Statistics support this. In 2011, cycling accidents involving cars killed 556 people, while those involving pedestrians killed six. Just one death resulted from cyclist-on-cyclist accidents. If these figures are reliable, they suggest that violating the law regarding riding on undesignated sidewalks is the safest thing you can do!"

(However, we take issue with Chavez's assertion that: "But after that point, I wonder if there aren’t huge advantages to riding against the flow of traffic so you can see what is coming and avoid an accident (the very reason it is recommended you walk against the traffic). The only advantage to riding into traffic - on the wrong side of the road - is that you will be able to see cars as they hit you.)

Finally, without a developed bicycle infrastructure - proper bike lanes, etc. - cyclists will be forced onto already clogged city streets.


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Sunday, December 15, 2013

World Cycling News 15 December 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年12月15日

Risk of injury for bicycling on cycle tracks versus in the street Journalists Resource

Bradley Wiggins knighted at Buckingham Palace BBC

What is your bike made of? Bike frame materials and their properties London Cyclist

EuroVelo en France France Velo Tourism

Mistakes that doom cycling races Guardian

La revolución cargo El Pais

アームストロングが選手を買収、八百長を展開
ペロトンに蔓延していた不正、モラルが腐っていたのはやはり自転車界そのもの!堕ちた英雄ランス・アームストロング、ドーピングに続き買収による八百長演出を告発される! Cycling Time

Deadly road junctions to be made safer for cyclists The Times of London

Cyclist Froome says battle with parasitic illness is over Yahoo

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Thursday, December 12, 2013

Kyoto Bicycle Lanes Best Three 2013

Bike Lane South Kyoto京都市専用自転車レーンベスト3

As noted in last Thursday's blog, Kyoto does not have proper bike lanes that are completely separated from either pedestrian or automobile traffic.

However, the city does have a handful of lanes that are pleasant enough and functional.

Here are the three Best Bike Lanes in Kyoto in 2013.

3. Bronze Medal - Takeda Kaido in Deep Deep South Kyoto

In far deep south Kyoto is this short, attractive bicycle lane. Pictured above right, it is south of Jujo (10th street) - Kawaramachi, goes under a highway ramp, and is just a bit west of the Kamo River. We're not sure who would use it - or why it was necessary (there is almost no pedestrian or bicycle traffic on the wide sidewalk) - but is a step in the right direction. It is separated from pedestrian traffic by a low row of bushes - plants! - and on from the street by a low curb. Both the landscaping and signage are tatstefully done.

Nice job.

Bike Lane Kyoto2. Silver Medal - Kujo Dori

It was a toss up between Kujo Dori (9th Street) and the Bronze medalist noted above. The reason we give Kujo the silver medal is that this lane is used since it is in a densely populated area.

The lane runs along Kujo in the heart of south Kyoto, from Takeda to Kawaramachi, which is not far from Toji Temple.

It has to be one of the first, if not the first, bike lanes in Kyoto. The signs are cheesy and evocative of a 1970s era city planner's idea of chic.

The paving is uneven, and the lane is not long - but you ride in a mostly separated lane while pedestrians generally keep to their part of the sidewalk.

Not bad at all.

Drum roll, please. It is time for the 2013 CycleKyoto.com award for the Best Bicycle Lane in Kyoto. And the winner is, for the second year in a row:

1. Gold Medal - Gojo Dori

On the sidewalks of one the city's major boulevards is a decent bike lane. Pictured below right, the Gojo Bike Lane runs on both sides of the street (north and south) from the Kamo River until Horikawa. The Gojo bicycle lanes opened in March of 2011.

It has clear, well-spaced signage and the pavement also indicates whether you are in the bike lane or pedestrian area. In places, though, the lane is broken up by pedestrian overpasses - bridges to the other side of the street - and in other places there are long gaps in the quasi-barrier, so pedestrians do wander into the bike lane.

Well done.

Special Mention - Karasuma Dori between Marutmachi and Shijo (and ultimately Kyoto Station)

Kyoto recently created a new bike "lane" along a stretch of Karasuma Street. It runs on both sides of the street from Marutamachi, at the corner of the Imperial Palace, down to Shijo Street.

In addition, according to a city handout, the lane will ultimately stretch south from there to Gojo, Shichijo, all the way to Kyoto Station at Shiokoji Street Lanes are on both sides of the street. Each is an umber colored space painted onto the road, unfenced, and 2.5 meters wide.

We remain hopeful.

Bike Lane Gojo Kyoto© CycleKyoto.com

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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Kyoto Sanga 2013 Season Update

kyoto purple sanga京都サンガ2013年シーズン終了

Sanga broke our hearts again.

For the second year in a row, the J2 team finished in third place in the regular season.

The top two teams - this year Gamba Osaka and Vissel Kobe - automatically qualify for promotion to J1. The four teams that finish in third, fourth, fifth and sixth place enter a playoff for the final spot in J1.

Kyoto tied in its first match, against sixth place Nagasaki, and thus "won" and proceeded to the final game against the winner of the match between the fourth and fifth place teams.

On Sunday, at the National Stadium in Tokyo, all Kyoto had to do to earn promotion was not lose.

Tokushima scored two first half goals, and that was more than enough.

Kyoto dominated the entire match - shots on goal (Kyoto 13, Tokushima 4), corner kicks (Kyoto 11, Tokushima 4), and ball possession - but could not score.

And thus we are back in lowly J2 for yet another year.


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Cycling for home games at Nishikyogoku is a flat and easy 20 minutes from central Kyoto and parking is free and readily available.

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Sunday, December 8, 2013

World Cycling News 8 December 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年12月08日

Shifting Gears: Commuting Aboard The L.A. Bike Trains NPR

Caution: Danger in the Traffic Lanes New York Times

Chris Froome aiming to lead cycling into new drugs-free era BBC

What is your bike made of? Bike frame materials and their properties London Cyclist

Paris Velib Abonnements & Tarifs Velo Quebec

Did my boy ride his first bike into the sunset? No Guardian

#CiclistasMolestos El Pais

ベテラン達の未来に明暗くっきり
ベテランたちの明暗:3度目のドーピングのディルーカは競技界から永久追放に!所属チームのなかった2011年ブエルタ王者のコーボはトルコのコンチネンタルチームと契約 Cycling Time

Cyclists could get head start at traffic lights to cut deaths The Times of London

Cyclist Danilo Di Luca banned for life for doping Yahoo

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Thursday, December 5, 2013

Worst Bicycle Lanes Kyoto 2013

Bike Lane Kyoto京都市専用自転車レーンワースト3

It is time for CycleKyoto's annual "Worst Bicycle Lanes" list. Kyoto does not have any bike lanes that are completely separated from either pedestrian or automobile traffic. Therefore, one is talking degrees of separation, or degrees of less bad bike lanes.

In recognition of the city's half-hearted (baked?) effort at laying down an infrastructure for cyclists - excluding, of course, the many parking lots for bicycles here is the second annual awards for Worst Three Bicycle Lanes in Kyoto.

We have not included any of the "lanes" painted onto sidewalks. The winning lanes are on the road.

3. Bronze Medal - Oike Dori on the south side of Nijo Castle

Going east towards downtown as you ride past Nijo Castle on your left, the left lane of Oike Dori in is a "bike lane." (A picture of the lane is on page 12 of this Kyoto City report on bike lanes.) We know this because on the street in large block white letters it is noted 自転車専用 (exclusively for bicycles). However, the lane has been colonized by cabbies, salarymen, delivery trucks, and others who park there, which forces cyclists back out into the remaining lane and traffic. Moreover, aside from the lettering, there is nothing - no construction, no signage, nothing - to indicate its putative purpose.

Useless and dangerous.

Bike Lane Kyoto2. Silver Medal - on Shinmachi Dori in front of the Police Headquarters

This "lane" is brilliantly bad (see left). It is just one city block, or roughly 250 meters long. It goes to nowhere, and comes from nowhere. It is the Dante Tenth Circle of Hell Bike Lane: you can circle the two sides of the street, within the lanes, forever, getting nowhere, going nowhere, accomplishing nothing.

Moreover, a taxi lane is built into part of the lane on the west side, so that cops and bureaucrats at the prefectural government building next store can catch a ride home. Also, because of complaints about the coloring - it was too bright and blue - the lane was repainted a more subtle, a more "Kyoto" brownish purple. According to the Yomiuri newspaper, that cost the taxpayers 6.5 million yen ($78,500). In typical Kyoto fashion, the awful original paint job, and then the money involved to redo it, nearly caused a riot.

Awful.

Drum roll, please. It is time for the 2013 CycleKyoto.com award for the worst bicycle lane in Kyoto. And the winner is:

1. Gold Medal - The "lanes" pictured at the top right and below right on Rokkaku Dori, Higashinotoin, etc., in the center of town north of Daimaru Department store. The lanes are barely as wide as normal handlebars. Outside the white line is the space designated for pedestrians; cyclists are allotted the space within the white and purple lines; and automobiles are squeezed into the middle space.

Absolutely hopeless. A complete and utter waste of time and money.

To give the city its due, we will look at the best three lanes next week.


Bike Lane Kyoto© CycleKyoto.com

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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Free Cruise to Chikubu Island Lake Biwa

Chikubu Island竹生島を散策しよう 長浜のNPOがモニター募る

A speck of an island at the northern end of Lake Biwa, Chikubu is a short boat ride from Nagahama.

A local non-profit group called "Machi Tsukuri Biwa" is offering a free trip out to the island.

Trips are limited to groups of 2-5 people, one group per day, every day but Tuesday. The ship departs from the Minami Hamako Port in Nagahama at 10 am. Upon arrival the group will walk around the small island.  The group will return to the island's port by around noon.

In the afternoon, free electric bike are available for cycling the island.

The island is famous for its view of Lake Biwa and is designated as a goddess of music. On the tiny island are Hogonji Temple and Tsukubusuma Shrine.

The waters around Chikubu are among the deepest in Lake Biwa. On the west side, it is 104 meters to the lake bottom.

Information

The trips are scheduled to run until March 23. For information and reservations, call 0749 72 4349.

Photo © Wikipedia

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Sunday, December 1, 2013

World Cycling News 1 December 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年12月01日

How to Shorten Commutes (1 Letter) New York Times

Lance Armstrong settles $3m bonuses lawsuit BBC

I would cycle but it’s…. London Cyclist

ABC du transport actif Velo Quebec

A police ticket quota for cyclists won't stop the deaths on London's streets Guardian

"Lo más importante ahora es que los madrileños se crean la bicicleta" El Pais

透明な自転車
透明な自転車?素材革新が生み出す新たな可能性、これぞまさにステルスバイク! Cycling Time

Traffic police given target to fine 10 cyclists a month The Times of London

2015 Tour starts with short time trial in Utrecht Yahoo

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