Cycling in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands has become not only a popular sport, but a draw for tourists.
Most airlines will accommodate bikes, though fees and restrictions differ by airline.
Both in Guam and Saipan cyclists have developed local races as tourist attractions - particularly important as any reason to visit the Mariana Islands is to be encouraged.
In India, China and the Netherlands (where bikes take priority over cars), more than 65% of the populations in those countries ride a bike at least once a week.
In our traditional source markets of Korea and Japan, cycling is also popular, with 27% of Koreans riding a bike once a week and 36% of the population of Japan doing so, according to statistica.com.
Bike lanes exist in many other jurisdictions but are not customary on all roads in the islands.
As our stories about cycling in Guam and Saipan show, existing roads were not built with bike lanes in mind. Funding of roads and their facilities is an issue, and the Guam Department of Public Works is to be applauded for using grant money to provide bike lanes.
But in Guam, the lack of parking is a conflict in Tamuning with bike lanes, and may prove dangerous given the amount of traffic Chalan San Antonio sees.
Given the lack of wide public transportation and the preference of our residents to use their cars, vehicles tend to be more prevalent than bikes in the islands.
Many Guam residents can be seen using bikes to commute to work using Marine Drive, which is the island’s main thoroughfare, or for leisure.
Both Guam and Saipan officials, cyclists and residents recognize the need for public education campaigns — although many motorists aim to avoid coming close to cyclists on the road. Nevertheless, Guam drivers have become notoriously impatient and frequently do not signal their intent to change lanes or turn and both islands have seen accidents.
Education campaigns should begin now, whether roads are completed or not. mbj
Most airlines will accommodate bikes, though fees and restrictions differ by airline.
Both in Guam and Saipan cyclists have developed local races as tourist attractions - particularly important as any reason to visit the Mariana Islands is to be encouraged.
In India, China and the Netherlands (where bikes take priority over cars), more than 65% of the populations in those countries ride a bike at least once a week.
In our traditional source markets of Korea and Japan, cycling is also popular, with 27% of Koreans riding a bike once a week and 36% of the population of Japan doing so, according to statistica.com.
Bike lanes exist in many other jurisdictions but are not customary on all roads in the islands.
As our stories about cycling in Guam and Saipan show, existing roads were not built with bike lanes in mind. Funding of roads and their facilities is an issue, and the Guam Department of Public Works is to be applauded for using grant money to provide bike lanes.
But in Guam, the lack of parking is a conflict in Tamuning with bike lanes, and may prove dangerous given the amount of traffic Chalan San Antonio sees.
Given the lack of wide public transportation and the preference of our residents to use their cars, vehicles tend to be more prevalent than bikes in the islands.
Many Guam residents can be seen using bikes to commute to work using Marine Drive, which is the island’s main thoroughfare, or for leisure.
Both Guam and Saipan officials, cyclists and residents recognize the need for public education campaigns — although many motorists aim to avoid coming close to cyclists on the road. Nevertheless, Guam drivers have become notoriously impatient and frequently do not signal their intent to change lanes or turn and both islands have seen accidents.
Education campaigns should begin now, whether roads are completed or not. mbj