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| Shocked Sakuyama Jr. High students drive by a bike accident; | see the prowling white car and speed limit. |
This was originally entitled: Bicycle Safety Tips, and rather adequately sums up what I am going to offer here. Of course, these are bicycle safety tips for surviving Japan. I can't speak for China, Vietnam or Canada, but the following knowledge can be applied here in Japan. Specifically in Ohtawara-shi.
Ever since I was shmucked by cars in a couple of bike accidents, I've tried to come up with ways the whole thing could have been avoided, as a fear of death and/or pain makes me a bit nervous. The one thing I did realize, however, is that everyone in Japan is a lousy car driver.
Everything seems like a contest. In Canada (and the US), there's that game we like to play when we drive (No, not that wimpy license plate game - ooh! I see Vermont!), where we designate points for people and objects we would pretend or want to hit? It's a stress reliever. Unfortunately, in Japan, drivers don't seem to understand the 'pretend' part.
In Japan, speed limits are painted onto the road's surface. However, I am no longer convinced that that is what it is. Y'see, as I was riding my bicycle ever-so carefully past the scene of one of my accidents, I saw them changing the 'speed' from 40- to 41 kph! I think it was noting how many people had an accident!
So stay away from all roads with high numbers on them. The Tohoku Expressway that runs past Ohtawara and links Tokyo up through the northern provinces seems like an especially dangerous zone--its got 100 written all over it. KPH? Maybe it stands for Kills Per Hashi (it means 'bridge' - hashi is also how you say the word for chopsticks, as they were both made of wood back in the old days). Danger. Highways are bad.
Bicycle Paths: Some cities and towns have specially designated areas where riders may journey in safety. They consist of a level stretch of pavement away from the dangerous numbered roads. They even have lanes to separate walkers from cyclists. However, this is not the time to relax. Danger lurks everywhere. Although the casual stroller knows enough to keep to his/ehr side of the path, their pets can't read the signs. Or, if they can, choose to ignore them.
Oft times, the critters are on a leash--but that doesn't stop them from stretching the 'chain-o-death' across your bike route and its master. It is therefore a good plan to have your brakes checked regularly and to always carry arm and leg splints in your Hello Kitty backpack. As for the little kids who occasionally dart in your path? Well, they're worth 10 points apiece. Double if they're looking at you.
The Right Of Way: The right of way at an intersection is a dicey affair. In Japan, it is determined by whomever has the largest vehicle. Bike riders take note: although your bicycle may be larger than most Japanese compact cars, the vehicles generally possess more working plastic parts and can therefore do more damage.
In cases where there is a tie, passage will be denied to the person who attempts to make eye contact with the other person. In Japan, eye contact implies: Dozo, which means 'please go ahead.'
Four-Way Stops At Night: Most night-time bike riders in Japan when approaching a four-way intersection merely check for headlights to avoid having to stop. This, I repeat, this is not a good idea! Even though this may seem like a fool-proof indicator of an approaching motor vehicle, the same does not hold true for other cyclists. Most older people (anyone over 31- this figure should be updated to 2010 numbers of 45) tend not to use their headlights - or simply aren't aware that their bikes possesses one. This can create large problems and and an extended hospital stay for you, the safe rider.
I did indeed watch two cyclists speed through a four-way stop from perpendicular directions, only to plow into each other. It was very funny, in a broken arm kind of way.
High Beams (on cars): There is perhaps nothing worse than having to ride your bike at night towards some moron in a white car who has the high beams on. I've got a friend who shall remain nameless (it's my frequent-but-not-all-the-time-girlfriend, Ashley) who tries to discourage would-be morons by riding up in the middle of the road (on her bike with the light on) at the offending vehicle. Although she hasn't been hit yet (knock wood - or something which looks vaguely like wood but has a plastic-like smell to it), it's simply not a very good idea. Avoid this plan like natto, and simply wait for the moron-wannabe to come within earshot and then shout every expletive in the book at them. While they won't understand a word you say, you'll feel better and you won't get killed.
So... what have we learned?
- Well, don't ride your bicycle in areas where the speed limit is too great;
- Have your brakes checked regularly;
- Crossing a street without a traffic light is extremely difficult;
- Beware of stupid people who don't use their bike light;
- Improve your vocabulary;
- Get more health insurance.
Andrew Joseph
Today's title is brought to us by Queen - As always, you can view a video of the title song here: INTERSECTION.
PS: While I may be exaggerating about the speed limit kill zone, being a bike rider in Japan is dangerous, as I firmly believe that the average Japanese driver would never pass a driver's test here in Canada.
