Cycle City

As you may know, last October, the 20^th Japan Cup Cycle Road Race was held in UTSUNOMIYA City, TOCHIGI Prefecture and the race had about 73 thousands spectators.

UTSUNOMIYA City promotes the Cycle City program now.

I visited to see the situation of the Cycle City.

Please go to the north-western exit, when you arrive at the JR Utsunomiya Station. If you go down along the street in front of the station toward the north, you can see the Miya Cycle Station (MCS).

It was installed to give cyclists some information and services such as shower rooms, rocker rooms, rest rooms and rent-a-cycle service by UTSUNOMIYA City Office.

MCS gives cyclists two kinds of cycling maps like below.

Red one is for the downtown of Utsunomiya, and blue one is for the vicinity.

It is interesting that the maps indicate some recommended cycling courses with vertical profiles.

And also there are 16 “Cycle Stations” along the cycling courses.

The Cycling Station is not a special facility. In general, convenience stores play a role of cycle station.

Bike Stand is installed

Anyone can borrow repair tools and an air pump there for free.

Repair Tools

What’s a cyclists’ friendly facility!

I hope the concept of the cycle station will be able to be introduced here to Osumi region soon!