granny bicycles are called mama-chari in japan

granny bikes

Posted on 02 May 2010

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.