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Jul 25 2013 11 Comments

A traditionally untraditional Tokyo cyclist

Cycling is a hugely popular pastime in Japan, with massive numbers of lycra-clad Tokyoites heading for the city’s cycle paths and more wild western regions every weekend. But the bicycle also remains the most convenient method for many people to get about, whether it be to work, the local supermarket, or just the station. And what better way to enjoy this traditional form of travel than in equally traditional attire?

traditional Japanese cyclist

Categorized: Photography

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. john says

    7/25/2013 at 10:56 am

    Great! but I hope that hat offers suitable protection – faux straw fibreglass perhaps?
    Tokyo Times has been a cycle snap desert for too long!

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/25/2013 at 10:04 pm

      Haha, maybe!

      Surprising how few people wear protective headwear in Japan. Pretty much stupid cyclists only.

      Yes, as a keen cyclist myself, there has been a distinct lack of bike-related photos. Will have to rectify that over the coming months.

      Reply
  2. Lizzy says

    7/26/2013 at 7:39 am

    Oh my. I can’t help but cringe seeing people cycle in sandals/flip-flops. Hope he doesn’t lose a toe…

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/26/2013 at 1:25 pm

      Ohhh, hadn’t even thought of that…

      Reply
  3. Hans ter Horst says

    7/27/2013 at 10:58 pm

    At least he’s not on the pavement harassing pedestrians with his mamachari, nice capture!
    I always get confused when I’m walking on the pavement and people start ringing their bells and plough through; I’m not gonna jump in the middle of traffic to get out of their way, and as I’m pretty tall, they usually change their mind and get on the main road last moment 🙂

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/28/2013 at 5:12 pm

      I know what you mean. Not wanting to deal with all the traffic I can understand, but so many times people ride on the pavement when there is no traffic. That I can’t understand!

      Reply
  4. LAObserver says

    7/28/2013 at 12:50 pm

    Lee is Nippon embracing cycling with dedicated bike-only lanes ? I was in Tokyo & Kyoto earlier this year but do not remember seeing any.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/28/2013 at 5:13 pm

      Sadly not. There may be the odd one or two here and there, but I don’t recall seeing any.

      Reply
  5. Matt says

    7/28/2013 at 1:09 pm

    I’m just glad the bag has been strategically placed.

    Reply
    • Lee says

      7/28/2013 at 5:14 pm

      Haha, that’s a very good point!

      Reply
    • Jeffrey says

      7/30/2013 at 4:21 am

      That was my first thought as well.

      Reply

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