Just the other day, I saw a couple wearing yukata when I boarded the train.
I could easily imagine they were headed to a summer festival, but I feel like I haven't seen people in yukata for a long time.
Indeed, with events like the Nebuta Festival being held for the first time in three years, the number of festive days is gradually increasing.
In the world of cycling, there are also events described as "festivals" due to their extraordinary atmosphere and excitement.
The world’s premier road race and the greatest festival for cyclists: the Tour de France (hereafter TDF).
To give a perhaps overly detailed explanation, it is a race where competitors ride a total distance of about 3,000 km over three weeks to determine the winner.
Translating it literally, it means "Tour of France," but the race is often opened outside of France, and in 2022, it started in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.
As luck would have it, I had the opportunity to accompany the TDF and ended up staying in Copenhagen for a few days. Beyond the race itself, the bicycle culture I witnessed there was magnificent, so please allow me to share some of it with you.
A Cycle-Friendly City
This might get a bit technical, but please bear with me for a moment.
Denmark has a long history of bicycle culture, with users increasing between 1920 and 1930. In urban areas like Copenhagen, it is said that bicycles were used primarily as a means of commuting.
While bicycle use declined somewhat in the 1950s as cars and motorbikes became more popular during a period of rapid economic growth, the 1970s oil crisis led to skyrocketing fuel costs. Combined with calls for a reduction in traffic accidents involving cars, the value of the bicycle began to be reevaluated.
Eventually, in 1980, the city focused its efforts on developing cycling infrastructure with the goal of becoming a safe and economical city. Since then, driven by the desire for a low-carbon society and increased health consciousness, many policies have been implemented to promote bicycle usage, and they continue today.
Copenhagen's Transportation Infrastructure
In Denmark, while there is much buzz about impressive infrastructure projects like the construction of dedicated bicycle "highways" and "bridges," I was equally surprised by how the bicycle lanes just seem to continue seamlessly as a matter of course.
Roads in Copenhagen are divided into zones like the one shown below, and bicycles use their own dedicated lanes to navigate the city.
Furthermore, traffic lights in Copenhagen utilize a system called "Green Wave," which controls crossing timings while accounting for road conditions. Simply put, it reduces the number of times you have to stop at a red light.
Beyond effectively controlling the flow of cars and bicycles, it is said that reducing the number of times vehicles have to stop also has the effect of curbing accidents.
New systems continue to be introduced to traffic signals, and it is expected that by 2025, travel time for bicycles will be reduced by 10%.
It’s great to be able to reach your destination without accidents or delays.
Because the bicycle is the best way to get around the city, people of all kinds use one.
Way of life
Commuting, shopping, traveling with family, etc.—the bicycle lanes are filled with people going about their daily lives.
And, many of the bikes they ride are beautiful, showing the characteristics of tools meant for everyday life.
Due to the weather, which can change rapidly, mudguards seem to be essential. Almost every bike was equipped with them.
There are also many bike shops that offer custom builds tailored to the rider's needs.
Although I couldn't visit them this time, the city is overflowing with beautiful bikes crafted by shops like Hr. Vélo.
Bicycles that serve a true purpose are cool.
Closing
I came here to see a "competition" using bicycles, but I was shown a "lifestyle" that utilizes bicycles to the fullest.
In regards to the TDF, the Danish side also stated, "We invite people from all over the world to experience this country where cycling is a part of life."
The "environment for promoting cycling" that they built to survive has matured, enabling them to host a competition that is a symbol of prosperity.
And, the world's most advanced bicycles raced through those streets. It is deeply moving.
While the relationship between the "bicycle" and the "city" is unique to their specific background, it is a case of bicycles being ridden where they ought to be.
As someone involved with bicycles, I feel like I was shown the most beautiful sight imaginable.
Notice to Everyone in Nagoya
Here in Nagoya, where we live, bicycle travel is effective, and many people use them as a means of daily transportation.
However, it is a reality that I can't help but wish we could ride with a bit more peace of mind.
While the city has shown its willingness to develop bicycle paths and lanes, there are still many roads that feel unsafe, and an urgent expansion of the developed area is desired.
In Nagoya, a CRITICAL MASS event is held on the last Friday of every month.
The purpose of Critical Mass, where everyone gathers to ride through the city as a group, is to achieve an environment where bicycles can be ridden safely.
To continue riding bikes safely for a long time, it is important to express our wishes through our intentions and actions.
Why don't we, as fellow cyclists, work together to move the future of cycling in a better direction, even if just a little?
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