Linked To The Future?: Taiwan's Bicycle Master Plan

According to a brief report from the Council For Economic Planning and Development (CEPD), an economic advisory council to the Executive Yuan, Taiwan's government has earmarked increased spending aimed at expanding the current bicycle transportation network.

The plan allocates NT$ 4 billion with the goal of laying 3823km of bicycle lanes and related infrastructure.

Part of this plan allocates NT$870 million for 2011 intended speed the completion of the "Integrated Bikeway Network Construction Plan", which aims to link existing bicycle networks and create bicycle transportation corridors between urban and rural communities, and between business and residential districts.

The plan also seeks to invest in other centers for bicycle culture, including velodromes and recreational resources.

I. The Good:

It is refreshing to see Taiwan's government taking the initiative and pledging funds for wider bicycle networks beyond simply recreation, which has, thus far, been the major recipient of public funding.

The report highlights the importance of building bikeways between districts and localities. It speaks to the diversity of Taiwan's bicycle cultures, and it imagines the bicycle as a means to seek economic revitalization of some areas; this could potentially include areas that have seen economic decline due to alternative transportation routes, or other demographic changes that have had a negative impact on the local economies.

II. The Bad:

A project like this will also encounter many potential pitfalls, which include:

a) Planning:

The central government will have to resist special interests and take this plan directly to the localities to see what riders and potential riders might require to become interested in such a network. This plan can not be directed from the board rooms of the bicycle manufacturers or in a paternalistic top-down approach directed from a politician's personal viewpoint. This network needs to be built from the ground up if it is to serve the public with open public debate.

It is not just the bicycle interests that pose a threat to an effective bicycle network, it is also politics at the national and local level. There will undoubtedly be local politicians, factions, organized crime groups, business leaders and a muddy mixture of all of them fighting to pull and manipulate these routes for their own benefit, which may run counter to the interests of the rider. We have seen this with other transportation systems (bussing), where a powerful local interest shifts public transportation routes to benefit their own businesses.

Another problem is graft. It is not inconceivable for local representatives to be allocated a budget reserved for bicycle trails. The local representatives *may* simply purchase several dozen "bicycle" tiles to embed in existing sidewalks and designate it a "bike trail", and thus pocketing the difference. This process, much like any other public construction project, is ripe for organized bid rigging as well. It is not unheard of for organized crime groups to collude on rigging bids for construction projects and inflate a bid two or three times the competitive rate. In many cases local representatives are linked closely to these construction companies and interest groups. It will take dedicated oversight to ensure the public is benefitting from this investment and it is not just a scheme to buy votes and influence elections.

b) Management

This system can not work if it is not regularly managed, supported and enforced. The government must allocated annual funding for maintenance, public safety and law enforcement to ensure these bikeways remain safe and unobstructed at all times. The trouble with many of the current systems is that they are made useless by unauthorized obstructions like parked cars, scooters, private vendors and pedestrian traffic. The purpose of any transportation system is to ensure flow. I can also imagine some locations being ripe for both petty and violent crime if not regularly enforced. Regular, fair and predictable enforcement is one of the key necessities for any transportation system to work well. Riders need to feel comfortable riding these systems.

c) Balance

Although thus system pays lip service to balancing the interests of Taiwan's different types of riders, there has been far too much emphasis on bicycle tourism. The government has made very much noise over the past 3 years about boosting tourism and its economic agreements with China, but it risks a) over emphasizing one area and b) replacing good, high earning jobs in competitive industries with low earning

service jobs in tourism. Although the government can boast some success in job creation through tourism, the type of jobs being created are not on par with those being exported. Moreover, these jobs do not require the the type of competitive skills educated Taiwanese hope to leverage with their college degrees. Tourism is a superfluous industry of leisure. It is open to manipulation and political interference. Putting too much emphasis on Chinese tourists is especially risky for this reason.

Taiwan's bikeways should focus on bringing people to their jobs and not simply be the job.

I am glad to see an enhanced vision coming from such a conservative body. I am also glad the CEPD envisions bicycles as a part of Taiwan's future economic development beyond export and tourism. Now we need to see lip service transformed into public service.

I will be watching these developments closely.

Cycling Never Gets Old: Circling Taiwan At 84!

In keeping with the theme of the post below, the Taipei Times is reporting on Kuo Chang-rong, the 84 year-old cyclist who just completed his bike tour around Taiwan. The weeklong trip covered 1150km and took Kuo and his group through periods of both heat and inclement weather, but these old dogs were undeterred.

It's not the bike that'll kill you... it's the couch.

The Taipei Times reports:

Kuo said that riding a bicycle around Taiwan is the epitome of life itself, and that even though one may feel the joy of laughter at times, it is also full of challenges. If one shrinks back when encountering difficulties and gives up halfway, one must come up with a solution and march forward courageously in order to reach one’s final destination.

“Going around Taiwan on a bicycle isn’t reserved for young people only,” said the old man. He stressed that if seniors stay fit and prepare thoroughly in advance, they could also ride around the island. Already 84 years old, he has achieved something that seems almost inconceivable to other people, and proven that even the elderly can do the same things young people do.

This is how I intend to grow old... kicking and screaming.

(SOLVED!) Case Of The Missing Cycle: Adding One More To The Stable

A few weeks ago my wife came out of the bathroom on an early Thursday morning and asked, "What does two lines mean?"

Well... it means we're having a baby.

This is a first for me and I couldn't be more excited. We have already started negotiating riding schedules. I will, in no shape or form, be giving up bikes. I will just have to get a little more creative with my riding schedule and make a few more sacrifices.

Notice the strategic purchase of a frame built to stave off bike lust for a few decades... heh heh! Dead give away.

I feel that through biking, I am keeping myself fit and healthy, which serves as a regular renewal of my commitment to my child that I intend to be there for his or her most important moments. It underscores my dedication to keeping myself youthful, energetic and a dedication to avoid becoming my child's burden in my old age.

Through cycling I will be an example for my child and provide a constant lesson on the importance and value of regular exercise and good health. These are a father's responsibilities.

Cycling teaches the importance of sustainable living. It teaches us to keep our footprint small. It teaches us to respect others.

Life is going to get real interesting real fast, but it am looking forward to the challenge.

Besides... I get to buy more bikes.

Big Brother Inc. Taiwan's Tourism Bureau... Working For You?

Cycling in Taiwan is just one of the many portals Taiwan's government is using to promote recreational cycling and bicycle tourism in Taiwan. Although this site was posted a few years ago (2008), it is still relevant and many riders may still find some of the information valuable.

The contents of the site detail five short bike routes and it provides information on transportation, rentals, tourist sites, local fare and route descriptions--things casual riders might appreciate.

This may not be ideal for many of Taiwan's recreational riders who have pushed local cycling culture and expectations far beyond the leisurely routes the Tourism Bureau has listed, but for occasional day trippers and families who decide to simply go for a ride without investing in the cycling lifestyle, this could be very helpful.

On the other side of the coin this site raises some difficult questions regarding the links between the role of government, the interests of private enterprise, and the best interests of the citizen consumer.

Aside from the expected information regarding transportation and tourism services provided by the government, this government run site also uses this space to promote selected businesses. A visitor is directed to links and information for a few select private businesses, hotels and bicycle resources.

" Full House

Located at the Dehua Village Wharf, this 10-room resort hotel commands an unobstructed view of Sun Moon Lake.

The log-cabin style hotel is decorated with oil paintings by the owner. High-ceilinged hallways, soft light, soothing music, and finely crafted wood furniture complete the feeling of simple elegance at this scenic retreat."

In the interest of fairness and transparency, the question should be asked how these businesses, amid many others, were able to be chosen for government promotion and what, if any type of benefits or services, were exchanged quid pro quo.

For almost each route the Taiwan Tourism Bureau advertises for a Giant retailer. Are there any other bicycle shops or rental facilities in the area? How might I get a business listed by the Taiwan Tourism Bureau? How are these routes being planned and selected for promotion? If I owned a business in the area would they promote me?

I have detailed my understanding of the problem HERE.

The need for clarity is a significant point of concern as the chairman of Giant, King Liu, is also a special advisor to President Ma Ying-jiu regarding bicycle infrastructure projects. Although it is not uncommon for governments and private enterprise to cooperate, this relationship begs for the government to embrace greater transparency in its planning and coordination of cycling routes as King Liu's primary responsibility is to the shareholders of Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and not necessarily to the interests of the private citizen.

If we look at other major bicycle projects like Seattle's Burke Gilman Trail, which is maintained by the Seattle Dept. of Parks and Recreation, or in Oregon, the Portland Bureau of Transportation bike trail system, the scope remains squarely on public services and citizen safety rather than providing advertising space for private enterprise.

Although the government might mean well, there are serious ethnical considerations that must be addressed when government and enterprise decide to ride tandem.

Wuling Video, Links and Giro

Bikeman just posted a fantastic video of last weekend's Wuling Challenge. For those who don't already know, the Wuling Challenge is a ride to the 3275m summit of the Central Cross Island Highway. The final 7km are brutal. Kudos to all those who joined and moreover to those who finished. I was hoping to be there this year, but alas, it was not to be. Lots of bike action this past weekend.

Taiwan Biking Links:

• The World Is Not That Big documents his cycling trip through eastern Taiwan. Some lovely pictures.

• Hiking Taiwan has temporarily hung up his boots for a bicycle. Check out his trip to Maokong.

• Crazy Guy on a Bike details his difficult ride up to Smangus. Aside from being a simple cycling destination, Smangus has also recently been at the center of a clash between indigenous rights and state power as documented by David Reid, a Taiwan based scholar.
• SUN-E has some great pics from the Da Xue Shan event that was also held this past weekend. Team Neko was there as well.
• And one from OZ on the three-seater MILF bike (and no... not the Moro Islamic Liberation Front).

Other Links:

• Dublin gets into Bike Sharing.

• Mike Joos illustrates my dreams. Wookie Bicycles!!!

• Golden State threatens to shower tickets on speedy commuters across the Golden Gate (Say that ten times fast).

• El Diablo, the crimson colored caricature from Germany who found fame in prodding Tour de France riders up the highest peaks with his pitchfork, has crafted a rickshaw in honor of the royal wedding. Prince Philip was overheard commenting that it was the most welcome gift from Germany since the Blitz and since a gaffe-prone Consort from the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg joined the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha... er... Windsor.

Don't Forget:

The Giro d'Italia kicks off this weekend. Last year's race was a spectacle. This year they decided to add a few more mountains and an active volcano. Maybe next year we'll see a pool of sharks. Watch it HERE!

Perspectives From Around Taichung: Circling The City

Posing Above Airbase

After slightly over doing it last weekend, I really needed to take it easy. I needed to ride. I mean, I REALLY needed to ride! Still, I did not want to get myself into any situation that would destroy my knee again if I started feeling pain 50km from home. I also really needed to ride with my good friend Michael Turton from The View From Taiwan. We hadn't ridden together in weeks and sometimes nothing is better than just shooting the shit on two wheels.

I invited Michael to join me on an easy ride around Taichung City. The idea was to take a slow roll around the edges of the city with maybe time for a long coffee at a pace easy enough to talk Taiwanese politics, culture and biking.

Patriotic Taiwanese

On my way out to meet Michael, I was happy to meet two cyclists who called themselves the "Bicycle Brothers" or 鐵馬兄弟. These two young men were on the final day of their round-island trip, which started in Taoyuan. Each man had a placard attached to the back of their bicycle expressing his love for Taiwan. For many Taiwanese, a round-island trip not only signifies a physical or personal challenge, but it also reflects a desire to view Taiwan as a center and the intent to experience the country from all sides. The round-island trip has become a strong expression of a Taiwan-centered identity (a symbol that has often been subverted by Taiwan's political actors, especially if their loyalty to Taiwan is suspect).

I love Taiwan

Mountains And Road

As I made my way out toward the edge of the city near Dakeng, the mountains were clearly visible in the distance. With moist air blowing off the ocean, it is too easy to forget Taichung is surrounded by foothills and mountains that mostly reside behind a veil of dust and haze.

Michael The Pathfinder

I followed Michael on some winding paths between the graves near the notorious Ivy boarding school, and we worked our way into Shen Gang.

Twisting Roads of Tanzi

The Family Car?

Man Exposes His Bird

Before long we were on the Highway 10, which runs from Daya to Feng-yuan. I love this area as I always see the damnedest things out there.

Eventually we met up with Zhong Ching Rd. and took that to the base of Dadu Shan. As we were riding we briefly joined a group of very friendly cyclists on mountain bikes who were determined to get to Ching Shui. My favorite exchange came from this bunch:

Guy: Giant makes good bikes. Maybe you should buy a Giant.

Me: I have heard that Seven isn't so bad either.

It wasn't long before Michael had heard enough of the Giant worship, and after coming off a Giant himself, put the rubber down and had put the group a kilometer behind.

The Red Clay of Dadu Shan

We reached the climb up to Dadu Shan and although I can still climb, my endurance is really hurting. I can't wait to start the interval training to get my skills back.

The view from Dadu Shan was beautiful. It is easy to get stuck in the city hating on the traffic and exhaust. Luckily we have Dadu Shan sitting just above the city where a rider can get away and put the whole mess into perspective.

Foothills

From my earliest days in Taichung I have always been impressed with the fields of bright orange clay that over over the city skyline.

Our Fair City

The clouds and sprinkles of rain added a little drama to the descent off the hill as we barreled into Taichung city along Xi-tun Rd. and eventually a relaxed lunch before calling it a day.

The leg was getting a bit sore, but it was mainly along the IT band near the hip, so a little stretching took care of it and it was like hitting the reset button. A little knee soreness that also quickly abated, so a few more building rides before I try another long adventure or serious climbing.

Although it was short, slow and local, it was another wonderful ride.

The Great Xitun Intersection

From Singapore With Love: Kaohsiung to Taipei

Chance Meeting With Some Industry Guys

Last night I was privileged to meet up for beers with Xuyun, a rider from Singapore and a regular reader.

Xuyun, who celebrated his 21st birthday with beers at the Early Bird, has come to Taiwan with the mission of riding the length of the island along the foothills from Kaohsiung to Taipei.

His plan entails riding mainly up the Highway 3, but with a detour in Ershui to the 137 and a side tour through Sanyi. Here is the route.

What is even more laudable is his youthful sense of adventure and an unstoppable drive to "Get Action".

Xuyun is not just riding his shaky folding bike across Taiwan for the challenge and the hardship.... Xuyun has plans to arrive in Taipei victorious, where he will then meet up with a girl and woo her with his tales from the road.

Friends and readers....

This is what living life and living youth is all about.

You only live once.

Cheers!

Xuyun

Good on ya!