Bike Parking at MRT Station
Some more information has been added to the Guide to Bike Travel By Train post that I think may be useful.
It appears all you need is a passport number to make a reservation online.
MRT Bike Elevator
There is also some new information about ordering tickets over the phone. This system requires a Taiwan ID Card Number, so it is not ideal for visitors.
Ordering Tickets Over The Phone:http://www.railway.gov.tw/en/CP.aspx?sn=3538&n=6794
Here is a map of the Taipei MRT bike stations. It makes visualizing the opportunities for bike travel easier. Be sure to read the rules posted in the main post.
MRT Map
Also:
I was notified by a good friend that he was being prosecuted for possession of stolen merchandise and theft after buying, what he thought was, a "second-hand" bike.
According to my friend, he was looking for a cheap, second-hand bike to commute to and from National Taiwan University. He was offered a good deal on a typical clunker that was later recognized by the owner and identified as stolen.
The police got involved and my friend was notified that he would be prosecuted and receive a "mark" on his record, even if he is exonerated.
The moral of this story is to be very careful when buying a second-hand bike. Be sure to ask for some type of proof of ownership... receipts, maintenance records or something. Although they are inexpensive, the low-end bikes are more frequently stolen and can put you in some hot water.
In Other News:
I tried to visit a few bike shops over the weekend, but they were all closed on a Sunday afternoon. Typically, bike shops in Taiwan close on Monday after working on weekends when people have time to bike and shop.
My knee is 80% and I should be on the new bike by this weekend.
Taiwan Links:
- Terry goes to Hsi Luo with Team Neko.
- Biking Taiwan shows off the Distance Calculator.
Parts Arrive TODAY
