By TOMOKO SAITO/ Staff Writer
November 20, 2021 at 07:00 JST
Bicycle racks are installed before passenger seats inside a special bus catering to cyclists. (Provided by Tokushima Prefecture)
TOKUSHIMA—A large sightseeing bus remodeled for cyclists spares them the hassle of dismantling their bicycles before boarding and takes them to various routes in this two-wheeler-friendly prefecture.
The Cycle Cabin created by Kaifu Kanko Co., a bus operator in Tokushima Prefecture, can accommodate 19 intact bicycles in racks at its front area and 20 passengers in the back.
The main island of Shikoku has greatly improved its cycling infrastructure and facilities to lure in riders from around Japan and overseas.
Tokushima Prefecture, on the eastern part of the island, has touted itself as the “kingdom of bicycles.”
Many cycling courses, including the Hikyo Iya Kaido route, have been set up in mountainous areas of the prefecture.
The prefectural government has solicited tourism promotion plans from businesses to give cyclists of all levels easy access to the hilly routes.
The bus is expected to carry groups, including families on bicycle tours and teams taking part in cycling camps.
Cycling has risen in popularity as an outdoor activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I hope people will experience cycling under the new concept,” Tokushima Governor Kamon Iizumi said.
Kaifu Kanko is offering a free trial ride on the Cycle Cabin along six routes on Nov. 27. To apply, visit the Japanese-language website at (https://www.kousokubus.jp/test-ride/).
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