Tokyo on 2 wheels

TOKYO — It may be known for its extensive train system, but there is life beyond the tracks. A huge chunk of Tokyoites rely on their own energy and two wheels to get around this gigantic city. A bicycle, in all makes and sizes, is the mode of choice for an “eco-minded,” style-conscious and mobile urban population.

Cycling is entrenched in Japanese life as a whole. According to the Japan Times, there are about 86 million bicycles in Japan, or two bikes per three persons. At any zebra crossing, there’s surely a cyclist waiting alongside pedestrians for the lights to turn green.

The culture is well and alive, to the point that one can easily determine the lifestyle of the owner from the bike’s brand and make alone. It’s amusing to see how millions of urban cyclists express themselves on a frame.

Hierarchy of Bikes

Of course there are various reasons behind the purchase, but owning a bike also comes with a desire to be stylish. Here in Tokyo, there’s an unspoken design-based class system that characterizes this mode of transport.

On the bottom lies the mama chari, a bicycle that exists purely to transport the rider from point A to B. This is what most senior citizens and mothers use as it suits their practical needs. It is quite bulky in the looks department because it’s usually fitted with baskets in front and back to carry babies and groceries. It is noisy as it screeches upon braking and bells are used unsparingly.

An upgrade would be an electric version called an “e-bike” produced by makers like Sanyo. Powered by batteries, it allows for automatic braking and makes ascending hills a breeze. According to Sanyo, the year 2007 saw more than 280,000 electric bikes sold in Japan — a 106 percent increase over the prior year. Demand is expected to grow even with a hefty price tag of $1,300.

The other sub-group would be the petite bike. The mini bike is cute, eye-catching and made for urban cycling. Most styles lean toward the retro side, and it is the choice of most females and preppy men. Popular brands include German brand Riese und Müller, and folding bikes by Dahon and Brompton.

Parallel to this level would be medium-sized branded bicycles of which Louis Garneau is king. Its existence is comparable to an LV in Japan — it’s everywhere. Other popular labels are Bianchi, Marin, Specialized and Cannondale. Those who ride one immediately make a statement that they are semi-serious cyclists.

If Chanel, Hermès and Gucci have bicycles in their collections, automakers like BMW, Peugeot, and Tonino Lamborghini also have their pedal counterparts. Like cars, prices remain somewhat steep and they often attract the same demographic — men.

At the top of the food chain though are those with no apparent brand name. It’s lean, sleek and often unadorned (it’s on fixed gears). These are the royalty of the road — the “single bikes.”

Mostly custom-designed, these come in a bevy of styles. You can spot a stark all-white creation or one with a heady mixture of day-glo colors. These bikes stand out for their design details: disc wheels, colored chains, rail-thin frames, and minimalist seats.

From hairdressers, designers to athletic urbanites, single bikes are the connoisseur’s choice. One often spots them zipping through the street along with their Freitag bags.

Bikes for all this Fall

Come autumn, more people will get a taste of cycling life in Tokyo with the launch of the public bike program similar to Velib in Paris. Between October and December, five bike stations will be launched in Marunouchi — a business district home to Bloomberg and the Four Seasons — in an attempt to sway commuters from hopping on the nearby Tokyo Station.

It will also be a chance for foreign visitors to see the hidden beauty and unforgiving terrain of the city that can only be experienced on a bike.

Cycling’s growing popularity may be attributed to fashion’s current spotlight and the trend of going green.

In Tokyo, it has become a distinct lifestyle shared by those who appreciate the freedom it offers. Avoiding crowds, breezing through otherwise unseen nooks and crannies and having an easy way to exercise — it’s no surprise that cycling has become part and parcel of Tokyo life.