The Japan Archipelago comprises of four main islands; Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. I live on one of them, Shikoku. Shikoku and Honshu are connected by three routes which consist of several bridges respectively. The westernmost route of them is called Shimanami Kaido, which means "continuous islands". The distinctive feature of this route is that a bicycle path is made up along with the bridges. You can enjoy the view from a height of 70 meters above the sea while riding your bike there. I'm showing you pictures in my album on the right column of this blog. Please check them. I'll add some remarks in the following several entries about the pictures. When you travel by car on the bridge, you aren't allowed to stop your car on the bridge due to a Road Traffic Law because the route is an express highway. If you are on a bike, you can stop your bike wherever and for as long as you like on the bridge.
Cycling is getting popular year by year in Japan. When I visited Germany in 2009, I saw lots of people walking and pushing their bicycles even on a train. I realized at that time that the arrangements for cyclists were far better than those of Japan. At the same time, I felt sorry about the poor conditions in my country. However, it might be getting better recently.
I've ridden my bike for about 70 km today. I'll write about my first one-day cycling in the next several entries.
(Vocabulary)
Road Traffic Act/Law 道路交通法
Glad to see your posts. Wow...that is a good distance for your first day of long distance riding. I am going to read your next article now...I am anxious to see your pictures.
Posted by: Shiroi Tora | Jul 10, 2011 at 02:34 PM