Mama Chari Bicycle Parked in Kyoto Bike Lot

京都出町柳駐輪所にあるママチャリ

In the underground bike lot west of the Kamo River in Kyoto was a classic mama chari (mother's chariot) bike.

It is simple yet practical.

Moreover, it is adorned with a yellow sign that reads "Protect the Children!" Below that is the name of the school it represents.

The lot also is simple and practical. It is filled with space for perhaps 400-500 bicycles on two levels. Most of the bike racks are like the one pictured here: alternating high and low for the front wheel.

On the lower level, though, there are double decker parking spaces. You have to pull the rack towards you and down, insert your tires, and then lift it up and into position.

A bit tricky.

© CycleKyoto.com

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Electric Powered Bicycle Kyoto

電動自転車京都ママチャリ

This is a typical if high end bicycle that can be seen in Japan.

It is a souped up "mama chari" bicycle.

"Mama" means mother; "chari" is slang for bicycle.

These bikes are ubiquitous in Japan. They are used by all ages and both sexes.

However, the image of the typical rider is of a mother on her way to the super market, with one kid in the seat on the back and another up front.

A typical Mamachari has a bended top tube so that it is easy to mount. It also features a front basket, a rear rack, mud guards, an automatic light (if you pedal it comes on when it is dark thanks to a light sensor and motor on the front wheel), a chain cover, and a kickstand.

They are easy to ride and very practical.

This model would with the electric motor and two child seats probably cost more than 100,000 yen (about $1300).


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Mama Chari Bicycle in Downtown Kyoto

京都河原町のママチャリ

On a recent Sunday in downtown Kyoto, a woman was carting home a heavy-looking box of vegetables (green peppers, if the box is accurate). She is about to cross Kawaramachi Dori, heading towards the building where the Maruzen book store used to be.

On a useful beater of a bike - the all-purpose and ubiquitous mama chari - she has strapped on the large box above the rear wheel.

In addition, there is an umbrella held in place on the right fork of the front wheel.

There is, moreover, a holder for said umbrella attached to the handlebars. In the event of rain, she will pull out the umbrella, insert the handle into the holder, tighten it, and then open the umbrella. That way she can navigate the streets of Kyoto with two hands on the handlebar and not get (too) wet.

The bike also has a front basket, in which the woman has placed a plastic bag full of more goodies she no doubt got on her shopping expedition.

Last, she has draped a small cotton bag around the umbrella holder on the handlebars. That probably contains her wallet, keys, cell phone, etc.

Finally, note her wonderful sandals and socks.

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