The best information on how to enjoy Marunouchi nights to their fullest
The New Look of Paris: Bicycles!
I wonder if everyone has recently visited Paris.
While taking the taxi from Charles de Gaulle International Airport to downtown Paris, you might have noticed that the scenery has changed. Of course, the stone buildings from about 100 years ago have remained the same, and refreshingly shaded from the horse chestnut trees lining the streets of the city. And, as always, the cars are so tightly parked along the streets; you wonder how they ever get back out. Most of Paris remained physically unchanged. What is it then that feels so out of place? It’s the bicycles.
These bicycles don’t really belong to a single person. They are provided as public rentals for the residents of Paris. Between the sidewalk and the road, where you’d normally see a parking space, now you find 10 to 15 identical bicycles lined up in a row. They look like motorized bicycles, but Parisians will surely explain, “These are normal bikes in Paris.” Although they look a little odd, on careful inspection, one agrees they are without a doubt bicycles.
The Reality of Rental Bicycles
The best system would allow the largest number of people to rent a bicycle when and where they need it, and drop it off someplace close to their destination. This would be not only convenient for residents, but also a major contribution to the environment on the part of the government. However, several years after the program began the bicycles remained surprisingly clean. When asking the locals why that might be, they indicated that several problems had arisen and the bicycles seem to be used less and less.
What problems? Using a rental bicycle to get to one’s destination area is fine. But if the bicycle parking areas are full, then the rider must hunt around for an open space. And the more they search, the further they, and the bicycle, end up from their original destination! As always happens, the more people rush, the more inefficient they become, both with time and effort; kind of like running in circles. Other problems include lost or damaged bicycles.
This reminds me of what a French hotel concierge told me one day. Out of all the guests he had, the most polite were Japanese people. Conversely, the most hostile were the French. I think that a bicycle rental system probably isn’t ideal for the French populace. If you put it like that…maybe a system like this might not be bad for Japan.
EDIT: VERTICAL
| CATEGORY : Green | TAG : GREEN, ECO, BIG eco LITTLE eco |  |
You want to enjoy the summer looking beautiful. What are the best supplements and health drinks to ensure your goal?
The ever-evolving town, Marunouchi. Focusing on a keyword each month, we present a historical silhouette to capture its true origin. Volume 1 concentrates on the genesis of the word “Marunouchi.”
Chills are the source of many ailments. Skilful use of bath salts provides a salve for both the body and the mind.
For brand-new company employees who want recommendations on business items, we’ve got some great leather goods to fit the bill.
