I came across this article (zh) posted by a Taiwanese cyclist who has undergone a series of operations to repar the collarbone he broke while trying to escape one of the recent rain squalls that have been plaguing cyclists on Taiwan over the past two months.
In essence, the author ducked into a gas station and lost his grip on one of the steel grates surrounding the station.
The EPA requires all gas stations to be ringed by special collection gutters to prevent polluted runoff from entering the storm drain.
The author believes the gas have made a minimal effort in the installation of these units, which has resulted in a hazardous situation for two wheeled vehicles. (apparently, bikes and scooters wipe out on these all the time).
Ride Safe!
So far the government has done little about improving the safety around gas stations. Therefore, the next time I need to pass a gas station or drop in for a little relief, I will be sure to avoid the steel grating and steel drain caps. It is pretty much common sense to avoid metal plates in the road, but I guess things could be made a bit safer.
