Job Discussion Forums

[Porlestone]

I know motorbikes are just about the way to go in Taipei, how about cycling, particularly mountain bikes? There isn't a problem as mountain bikes go noticeably slower than motor vehicles? I mean a direct conflict?

I understand that there is some dangerous driving over there. But in general would a mountain bike work ok both in a city as well as biking out far to get out of the city?

[ghost]

Ghost uses a mountain bike to get to and from University every day, cycling around 20-30km per day - mostly on busy roads, in the Taichung area.

One has to be very alert to what is going on, but so far (have been here since September, 2005) have not had any major problems.

Some tips on using mountain bikes.

1. Make sure you are visible. Especially at dusk (after 5pm) you should wear bright coloured cycle clothing with some reflective material.

2. Make sure you have the lights on the front and back.

3. One way to avoid the major traffic is to stick to mostly 'side roads' which go in the same direction as your destination. You will find these in most places, and this alleviates the stress of being on the main thoroughfares.

In Taiwan, one has to realize that people in cars and scooters have different driving habits from what we are used to. They do not give one much space.

In this poster's case, one is usually cycling close to the white line (on the side) and many times right on the white line!

It is all about anticipation and adapting to traffic. Once you have a route, you will become familiar with it, and it will seem less daunting and threatening than the first time you take the route.

Ghost in Taichung, Taiwan