Bike Cycles

The Washington Post features an interesting article about cycling around the world. Of course the U.S. lags behind, but in developed countries high gas prices are pushing more people to commute on bikes. (Interestingly, in China and India, rapid economic development is prompting people to shun bikes in favor of the cars they can now afford.)

In Japan it's very common to get around via bike as part of or all of one's transportation routine. Bike parking at train stations is plentiful, and everyone is riding from school children to salary men.

The article also gives a shout-out to Portland, Ore., which has the highest rate of bike commuters of any U.S. city.

I am one of those residents in Japan who relies only on a bike or public transport. I get around fine, but on bad-weather days I'm reminded of why it would be nice to have a car. But having a car leads to using it even for short trips, so perhaps it's better to keep the car out of the driveway and just tough it out on the bike.

It's better for my wallet, and helps add more physical activity to my daily routine.

And back home, I believe brother Phil is one of those Portlanders who at least occasionally bikes to work. Right Phil? Respond via Twitter.