Disasteres and bicycles
The role of bicycles has been greatly reexamined by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
In the disaster area, the road was cut off, the infrastructure ceased and fuel was no longer available, bicycles was a big success for people's transport and transportation.
In the afflicted area, the range of action widely expanded by using the bicycle, became an important tool such as contact and transportation. In the metropolitan area, as many difficulties to return home overflowed, the bicycle was sold out as a leg of his return home. It is easy to move a long distance, it does not require energy such as gasoline, its value has been re-recognized.
Disaster-resistant bicycle
In the afflicted areas, many bicycle failures occur because they run on scattered roads such as damaged roads and rubble with cracks. In the field, many bicycle mechanics were running short and many volunteers rushed.
The biggest problem is punk. Puncture repair kit permanence and knowledge of simple repair methods are important. Meanwhile, bicycles that do not puncture took a lot of attention. In the Great East Japan Earthquake, it seems that the bicycle of the puncture tire Sakai sent to Sendai City was very handy. I feel that the experience of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake is being utilized.
Efforts to utilize bicycles in disasters
Tokyo Metropolitan Shinagawa Ward has concluded an agreement to utilize the Bicycle-sharing system at the time of a disaster with Docomo · Bikeshare. They are going to open a bicycle for about 30 Cycleports in the city, limited to staff in the event of a disaster, starting with mutual entrance business between Bicycle-sharing system and the seven wards of the coastal seaside district, central etc. . It is wonderful for local governments and corporate organizations to actively engage in securing bicycles that can be used for disasters for employees.
