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Thursday, February 27, 2014

PM 2.5 in Kyoto

Kyoto PM 2.5PM2・5、京滋で上昇 全国各地に注意喚起も

Tiny particles known as PM 2.5 are heavy in the skies of Japan now.

According to the New York State Department of Health, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) "refers to tiny particles or droplets in the air that are two and one half microns or less in width. Like inches, meters and miles, a micron is a unit of measurement for distance. There are about 25,000 microns in an inch. The widths of the larger particles in the PM2.5 size range would be about thirty times smaller than that of a human hair. The smaller particles are so small that several thousand of them could fit on the period at the end of this sentence."

These particles are able to enter deeply into the respiratory tract, reaching the lungs. "Exposure to fine particles can cause short-term health effects such as eye, nose, throat and lung irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. Scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM2.5 exposure with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department visits and deaths. Studies also suggest that long term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease. People with breathing and heart problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM2.5."

Yikes.

In Kyoto, yesterday, the city's measure of the particles stood at 63 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3), which is above the limit the city considers safe for health. Out in rural Kyoto, the city of Fukuchiyama hit 103 at 11 am.

Much of the pollution is thought to be emanating from factories and automobiles in China.

Uncomfortable? Yes. Weird looking? Probably. However, we are wearing the mask when we cycle now.

Otenki Navigator (Weather Navigator) gives updates on the level of PM 2.5. Click on 健康/生活 and then on the PM link.

Source: Kyoto Shinbun


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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Traffic Symbols from Copenhagenize

Bikes Stopコペンハーゲンからの居住性のガイドと交通標識

In the Copenhagenize Guide to Liveable Cities blog, there is an amusing assortment of traffic signs and graphs that a graphic designer/biker has created.

We especially like the "Motorists Dismount To Cross Roadway" sign.

In Kyoto, the majority of signs aimed at cyclists are of the "stop!" "don't park here!" "slow down!" variety.

The one at right is typical: it reads (in red) "Stop!"

Below that, for those who failed to get the message, "Bikes Stop!"


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Sunday, February 23, 2014

World Cycling News 23 February 2014

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2014年02月23日

De Blasio Outlines Steps to Eliminate Traffic Deaths New York Times

Team Sky borrow from rivals in France after 16 bikes stolen BBC

Hackney’s cycling boss interviewed: 15 new things we learned about the future of cycling in the borough London Cyclist

Le monde à vélo France TV

Air pollution: how big a problem is it for cyclists? Guardian

Señoras que van a congresos de bicis El Pais

今年もプロチームが自転車窃盗団の餌食に
今年も盗賊団が暗躍!先日のキャノンデールに続き、今度はチームスカイがその餌食に!そんなチームの窮地を救ったのはライバルチームの機転と友情! Cycling Time

Cycling safer than gardening, says gold-medallist Chris Boardman The Times of London

Froome sweeps through to take Tour of Oman lead Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News


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Saturday, February 22, 2014

Usui (light rain) Period Begins in Japan

雨水

According to the pre-Gregorian calendar used in Japan, we are now in the period known in Japanese as "Usui" (light rain).

The period began on Wednesday February 19.

Usui is one of the 24 periods that make up the year in the solar calendar.

It begins when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 330° and will end when it reaches the longitude of 345°.

According to the modern calendar it will last until 5 March.

At that point, "Keichitsu" (啓蟄) - when hibernated insects begin to awake - starts.

It is cold in Kyoto, but according to the weather Gods at NHK next week will bring temperatures in the mid-teens (around 60 F).


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Thursday, February 20, 2014

New Bicycle Rental Shop To Open in Downtown Kyoto

レンタサイクルえむじか四条河原町店オープン

For those who can read Japanese, please skip to the press release below.

For those who cannot, a new bike rental shop is opening in central Kyoto.

eMusica, which is located just north of the Eiden Demachiyanagi rail station in north central Kyoto, has opened a second shop.

The new shop is on Kiyamachi a short walk south of Shijo.

This is the most centrally located rental outfit in Kyoto.

Daily fees are 500 - 3000 yen.

The shop will open in April.

Tel 050 5883 0919 
email : seiji@emusica-dmcy.com   
Ask for Saito-san



~京都市内各所にレンタル・返却可能な、市内最大規模のレンタサイクルポートを開設~

この度、京都出町柳レンタサイクルえむじかブラジル店は四条河原町に新店をオープンしました。四条大橋から近く、阪急四条駅と京阪祇園四条駅の間に位置します。

料金 : 1日500円~1ヶ月3000円までのプランをご用意しております。相場より割安な料金設定と150台以上のレンタル車が、より多くの方の利用を可能にします。

新サービス「レンタサイクルコネクテクス京都」
出町柳ブラジル店と相互乗り入れが可能となり、追加料金無しでお好きな店舗でレンタル・返却する事が可能です。さらに、二条駅、北大路駅、一乗寺駅近くにある、他店のレンタサイクル店と提携する事で、それぞれを貸し出し・返却ポートとして機能し、京都市内最大規模のレンタサイクルポートを確立いたしました。

4月より当店特有のサービス、通勤・通学者向けの月極めレンタル「サイクルシェア」
を開始予定。こちらのサービスもブラジル店との相互乗り入れを予定しております。

併記となり恐縮ではございますが、レンタサイクルえむじかは平成26年2月3日よりサイクルアンドミュージック株式会社として経営を開始致しました。今後とも何卒宜しくお願い申し上げます。

サイクルアンドミュージック株式会社
レンタサイクル、自転車修理販売、レンタルスペース、ミュージックレーベル、イベント製作を中心に事業展開。レンタサイクルによるインフラ作りと、レンタルスペースを一体化させ街のハブスポットを生み出します。四条河原町店は1階をレンタサイクル2階をレンタルスペースとした機能を備えています。

代表 柴山留佑 所在:京都市左京区田中上柳町24リヴィエール鴨東1階
TEL & FAX : 075-200-8219 HOMEPAGE : http://emusica-dmcy.com

新店舗情報並びに、この件に関するお問い合わせ先

レンタサイクルえむじか四条河原町店 
〒600-8012京都市下京区斎藤町140-9
Tel 050 5883 0919 
email : seiji@emusica-dmcy.com   
担当 斉藤


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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

American Cities with Lowest Percentage of Car Ownership

米国車離れの大都会トップ10

On the transport front in the US, here are the cities where people use public transportation the most.

Most are older cities on the East Coast, with San Francisco and Seattle also scoring well.

1. New York, N.Y.
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 56.5%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 55.9% (the most)
> Transit score: 81.2 (the best)
> Population: 8,336,697 (the largest)

2. Washington, D.C.
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 37.9%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 38.6% (4th most)
> Transit score: 70.4 (4th best)
> Population: 619,020 (24th largest)

3. Boston, MA
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 36.9%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 34.6% (5th most)
> Transit score: 74.8 (3rd best)
> Population: 628,335 (21st largest)

4. Philadelphia, PA
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 32.6%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 26.0% (12th most)
> Transit score: 67.0 (5th best)
> Population: 1,538,567 (5th largest)

5. San Francisco, CA
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 31.4%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 33.1% (6th most)
> Transit score: 80.5 (2nd best)
> Population: 814,233 (14th largest)

6. Baltimore, MD
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 31.2%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 19.2% (23rd most)
> Transit score: 56.9 (10th best)
> Population: 620,216 (26th largest)

7. Chicago, IL
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 27.9%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 26.3% (11th most)
> Transit score: 65.3 (6th best)
> Population: 2,705,248 (3rd largest)

8. Detroit, MI
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 26.2%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 9.4% (69th most)
> Transit score: n/a
> Population: 706,201 (18th largest)

9. Milwaukee , WI
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 19.9%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 8.6% (75th highest)
> Transit score: 48.8 (18th best)
> Population: 598,916 (30th highest)

10. Seattle, WA
> Pct. of households without a vehicle: 16.6%
> Pct. commuting to work via public transportation: 19.7% (21st most)
> Transit score: 57.3 (9th best)
> Population: 621,897 (22nd largest)

Read more.


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Sunday, February 16, 2014

World Cycling News 16 February 2014

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2014年02月16日

Man Sentenced for Email Threat to Tygart New York Times

Jeanne Nell: South African cyclist dies in crash BBC

The best and worst bridges for crossing the Thames on a bike London Cyclist

Vélo Club de Tahiti Vélo Tahiti

Love on a Bike: one cyclist's journey of romance and adventure Guardian

Señoras que van a congresos de bicis El Pais

ツアー・オブ・カタール 2014第5ステージ
ツアー・オブ・カタール第5ステージ:”ゴリラ”グライペルがカタールでようやくの勝利!昨日の鬱憤を晴らす快心のスプリントで砂漠決戦を制す!テルプストラは総合優勝に王手! Cycling Time

Bransons Blaze a trail for safer cycling The Times of London

Offenders urged to help as sport delves into doping past Yahoo

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Saturday, February 15, 2014

Cycling Kiyomizu Temple Kyoto 自転車で清水寺へ

kodaiji templeCycling Kyoto Kodaiji Temple

日本語ご希望の方

In the Higashiyama area of Kyoto is some of the best touring to be found in the city. There are hills, small and very doable, but the views and sites gorgeous.

Down the road from Kiyomizu Temple, down the sloped Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka - beautiful old style roads - is Nene no Michi.

Nene no Michi (The Path of Nene) is drop dead gorgeous.

On the north side of Nene no Michi is Kodaiji Temple, which was established in 1605 by Nene, the wife of the late Toyotomi Hideyosh. The temple is also stunning.

On fall days, this area is very crowded.

We recommend parking nearby and walking.

Ride Kodaiji ride.

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Kyoto Nene no Michi
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Thursday, February 13, 2014

Lagrangian Point Kyoto Exhibit

Kyoto Art Exhibitル・グランマーブル カフェ クラッセ

From February 11 - 23, Gallery Parc in central Kyoto is holding a group exhibit of works by artists resident or graduates of Aichi Prefectural University of Art.

They include Masauyuki Arai, Yuri Sugiura, Narumi Tanaka, Yuri Miura, and Asaka Yamaguchi.

The gallery is across the street from a Tully's on Sanjo in central Kyoto.

Information

Gallery PARC | GRANDMARBLE
Sanjo Gokomachi
Kyoto
075 231 0706
Hours: 11 - 7 pm, Fridays open till 8 pm (closed Mondays and national holidays)


Gallery PARC | GRANDMARBLE
〒604-8082 京都市中京区三条通御幸町弁慶石町48三条ありもとビル [ル・グランマーブル カフェ クラッセ] 2階  
Tel. 075-231-0706
営業時間. 11:00-19:00 *金曜日は20:00まで  定休日. 月曜日

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Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Kyoto Don't Park Here Bicycle Sticker

kyoto-stickerここに止めないで下さい!放置自転車だめだ!!

Kyoto has a new anti-parking sticker.

Crews of men roam the city and attach the stickers to bicycles parked illegally.

Those bikes are legion - way fewer than in the past thanks to the city's investing in bicycle parking infrastructure - so each worker carries a wad of the thin plastic stickers.

"Sticker" is not exactly right as they are not affixed but attached to bikes through a hole in the top which is visible in the image at right.

The "I don't read/speak Japanese" (or understand the cartoon) excuse is not valid: on the reverse is an English explanation.

It is clear and well written, and can be found below left.

parking-image© CycleKyoto.com

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• CODE: 15-OFF
• Start time: 07.02.14 4pm (GMT)
• End time: 11.02.14 4pm (GMT)

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Sunday, February 9, 2014

World Cycling News 9 February 2014

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2014年02月09日

Cycling Study Says Hearts Race With the Riders New York Times

World Track Cycling: British squad selected for Colombia BBC

How to give your bike a winter clean London Cyclist

Géo Plein Air • Novembre-Décembre 2013 Vélo Québec

Love on a Bike: one cyclist's journey of romance and adventure Guardian

Cuánto cuesta un carril bici El Pais

ツアー・オブ・ドバイ2014 第2ステージ
ツアー・オブ・ドバイ第2ステージ:オーストラリアでの不調はどこへやら、ゴールスプリントはキッテルが完勝!サガンが2位、カベンディッシュは位置取りで大きく沈み勝負すらできず Cycling Time

Racing driver jailed over cyclist’s death The Times of London

German cyclist Kittel sprints to stage win in Dubai Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News


Bicycle Goods Sale


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Saturday, February 8, 2014

Risshun (spring) Begins in Japan

立春

The big wheel keeps on turning.

According to the pre-Gregorian calendar used in Japan, which is subdivided into 24 segments, Tuesday February 4 was the first day of spring according to the solar calendar. "It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 330°."

This period is marked by Setsubun, the Japanese festival that celebrates the advent of spring.

It lasts until February 19, when "Usui" - rain water - begins. This is when winter snows are said to begin their thaw.

Here is Kyoto, which is at a latitude of 35.0117° N - comparable to Raleigh, North Carolina, or Tangier, Morocco - there has been little snow this winter. Which is usually the case.

Commuting, shopping, and visiting temples on bike is year-round in Kyoto.


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Thursday, February 6, 2014

Total Distance of Bike Lanes in Japanese Cities

自転車レーン距離東京、千葉市、さいたま市、京都市

According to an interview in the Huffington Post (Japan), Tokyo has but 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) of bike lanes.

9!

That is in one of the world's great cities, in one of the wealthiest countries in the world - and in an area almost completely dependent on its power needs from nuclear plants in rural areas outside the city like Fukushima.

One of the major issues of this Sunday's Tokyo gubernatorial election for the powerful position of head of Tokyo is energy. A former Prime Minister, Morihiro Hosokawa, has jumped into the race - backed by yet another former PM,  Junichiro Koizumi - and pledges to shut down all nuclear power plants.

Yet, no major plans in the city's bicycle infrastructure have been discussed.

In comparison, two smaller suburban cities not far from the capital are leading the way in bike lane construction.

Chiba City, a commuter town east of Tokyo, has 300 kilometers (186 miles) of dedicated lanes.

To the west, Saitama City has 200 kilometers (124 miles) of lanes in place.

We would guess that Kyoto has around the same amount of lanes in terms of distance as Tokyo.

Perhaps 10 km?


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Monday, February 3, 2014

Kyoto Eco Taxi for Bicycles

京都エコロタクシー、自転車積載可のタクシー京都

While Kyoto buses still do not accept bicycles - nor are they equipped to carry them on the outside of the vehicle - trains and even some cabs do.

Information on train policy can be found here. Simply put, trains including the fabled shinkansen bullet trains will accept trains if they are collapsed and placed in a protective bag. There is no fee for this service, however at busy times - in urban Japan, this means 7 - 9 am, 5 - 9 pm (later on some lines) - the railways reserve the right to deny entry to those with a bike.

Moreover, a small number of taxis in Kyoto are equipped to carry bicycles on the rear of the car - for no extra fee.

Ecolo taxi is a small minnow in the big sea of Kyoto taxidom, but can be contacted here.


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Sunday, February 2, 2014

World Cycling News 2 February 2014

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2014年02月02日

Snow, Ice and Wind No Issue for Citi Bike’s Die-Hards New York Times

Tour Down Under: Australia's Simon Gerrans wins in Adelaide BBC

The 18 scariest videos of motorists attacking and abusing cyclists London Cyclist

Les clubs cyclistes Liste des clubs cyclistes par région Vélo Québec

Cyclists campaign against ASA ruling over Cycling Scotland ad Guardian

Guerra en la calle El Pais

MTB界伝説の男たちとその愛車
あの頃の僕達のヒーローと名車達~G・ヘルボルド:MIYATA Ridge Runner、J・トマック:YETI C-26、N・オーバーエンド:Specialized M2、T・フリッシュクネヒト:Ritchey P-Team Cycling Time

Britons buy more bicycles than cars The Times of London

Vuelta winner Horner joins Lampre-Merida Yahoo

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Saturday, February 1, 2014

Kyoto Festivals and Events February

京都2014年2月のイベント日程

February is about the coldest time of year, but the calendar of events keeps on turning.

The biggest event of the month is Setsubun, which takes place on February 3rd.

A daytime event at Rozanji Temple, to the east of the Imperial Palace, and a nighttime festival and bonfire at Yoshida Shrine are both worth attending.




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