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駐輪◇ちゅうりん (Parking for bicycles)
(lit.: park-wheels)
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A bicycle is convenient, however, only within a reasonable distance. Thus people tend to use it in combination with other transportation methods. As a result, parking for bicycles could be a serious problem in public places, such as a local train station. In the past, it has been a common practice that a very large number of bicycles were left for a whole day, occupying valuable space.
This sign provides directions to a parking lot for bicycles. It is prepared by the Toshima Ward (Tokyo). The two red characters seem to be newly added, indicating that it is not free, but rather a toll park. This is clearly a serious arrangement by the local government. In some other places, the government may well set up nicely designed free parking facilities. However, one has to say that these kinds of efforts are rather limited, and not very effective in the control of bicycle-parking. Imagine that, you have a bicycle and rash rush to the station to catch the right train at the last minute. Where do you park? |
