they are called mama-chari (ママチャリ), the standard issued bicycles of japan.  these russian and chinese socialist throwback bikes are easy to spot.  a grocery basket up front and a child bucket seat in the rear, occasionally removed to allow for your high school girlfriend to ride along.

mama-chari basically stands for granny bike.  in america you don’t want to be caught riding one.  it can lead to name calling and bullying.  ;)

in japan, their existence is undeniable.  these grocery-getting chariots of steel announce their presence with a thunderous bell and a thrusting squall, leaving one confused and angered at the threat of injury.  the sidewalks are for bikes and the roads for cars, where is a pedestrian to stride?

uncommitted.

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