My Mamachari
I have so many favorite things about living in Japan. The list runs long and deep. But my most favorite thing, the one that rises to the top of that bottomless list, is my bicycle.
When we first flew out to Tokyo five years ago, I remember taking this picture of a row of electric bikes parked in front of a coffee shop, in awe of what my future held. At the time, bike riding wasn’t something I did. The idea of riding a bike, in an unknown city, with my kids in tow, felt intimidating.
Then a friend said she had a bike to sell. It was red. Hardly used. Had one kid seat. I said I’d take it and Venmo’d her the money.
At first I was a little hesitant to use it. I would put Chase in a stroller instead and Anders would hop in too. Walking up hills sucked. Walking in the rain sucked. Walking anywhere with kids sucked. Something had to give.
So with a deep inhale, I placed Chase in his baby carrier, strapped Anders on the back seat of the red bike and peddled two miles to the bike shop to have an extra seat installed. This was the day my life changed.
If you for even one second are thinking about not riding a bike in Tokyo, here are the Top Ten reasons you should just do it anyway:
Easy Peasy - In Japan the kind of bike I own is called a “mamachari” and it is my momma chariot. Taking my boys anywhere was made 1000x easier on that bike. Not only did Chase love sitting up front in the “laser pod,” the fact that they would happily let me strap them in was a game changer. I can get to every soccer practice, grocery store and lunch date 30 minutes quicker on my bike. And roll up with much happier humans.
Mindfulness - The weather in Japan is perfect from October to June. (Don’t ask me about the Summer months.) In a country that celebrates the micro-seasons, I got to be present in them. Biking through Aoyama covered in Sakura or down Gingko Ave in the fall kept me so present and grateful of my surroundings.
Play - Adults don’t often get to experience play. A bike is so playful. Zipping up and down the streets, swerving side to side, arms out, head back. That’s play.
Cost - The amount of money we saved on taxis, tolls and parking is in the tens of thousands.
Nap Time - When Chase needed a nap we put him on that bike. Out he went like a light.
VIP Parking - Not only being able to zip in and out of traffic, but to able to park in front of every restaurant, grocery and store makes you feel like VIP.
Deep Chats - You know those good conversations you have with your kids in the car because you aren’t sitting face to face? A bike is like that. The chats I’ve had with Anders while biking for miles are memories I’ll keep forever.
Self Expression - A few years back I got frustrated with the quiet of the city so I started putting stickers on my bike. Now it provides a place of self-expression and noise!
Trunk - The amount of groceries, presents and Amazon returns my bike has towed for me is infinite. And since we live in the safest country ever, I can just leave them in my basket as I jump from errand to errand.
Safety - Riding here feels so very safe. Tokyo has such a natural flow of people on the sidewalk and the most considerate and aware drivers on the street. I couldn’t feel safer. Yes, we have fallen twice. Yes, it was when I was standing still. Yes, everyone was fine.
As we prepare to move, I’ve promised my bike to our next door neighbor from Wisconsin. She has two young kids. Her life is about to change for the better.