When traveling with taking a bicycle, we need to pack a bicycle with a large bag, bikebag or “Rinko-bukuro” in Japanese so that the dirty wheels do not touch other passengers.
Rinko-bukuro can be purchased at bicycle shops in Japan. The price is about from JPY 3,000 to 12,000 depending on the style of bikebag.
To pack a bicycle in the bag, you’ll need to take one or both wheels off your bike, and then reassemble at the end of the train journey. The bag then folds up small enough to be carried with you.
How to use a bike bag
Michi-no-Eki rest areas
Michi-no-Eki rest areas are a popular place to stop during a long drive. They are ideal place to take a rest for cyclists, too.
Literal meaning of Michi-no-Eki is “a station of road”. You’ll see many of them along main road all over Japan. There are restaurants, vending machines, toilets, a convenience store, and eating areas.
The Michi-no-Eki system was implemented in 1993 and as of end of April, 2015, there were 1,059 registered Michi-no-Eki nationwide.
Now, those facilities have been diversifying, offering delicacies using local ingredients and the chance of experience local culture, history, and even museum!
Please enjoy local food and culture there.
If you cause an accident while riding a bicycle, you might be held liable for considerable amount of dameges.
According to the National Police Agency, there were 2,551 traffic accidents nationwide in 2014 between bicycles and pedestrians that caused death or injuries. The number was up 40 percent from 2000.
Therefore, It is worth studying insurance policy here.
Please note that premiums and coverage differ, depending on insurance contract plans and conditions.
** Insurance for bicycles(Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance) **
You can buy premium at Seven-Eleven convenience stores.
Premium: JPY 4,160 per year. Coverage for others: JPY 100 mil. Death or residual disability: JPY 4 mil. Hospitalization: JPY 6,000 a day
** A-U-Te injury Insurance **
When you are involved in an accident, you’ll have a road service.
There are three types of indurance, namely, Blonze, Silver, and Gold.
As for Blonze type, Premium: JPY 4,290 per year. Coverage for others: JPY 50 mil. Death or residual disability: JPY 6 mil. Hospitalization: JPY 8,000 a day
