Pleasant cycling with good weather
I'm the weather grandpa.
Right now, Australia's commute event has been posted.
Based on the countries I've visited,
I'd like to share the top 3 and worst 3 countries for cycling.
Some places I rented a bike for a day and rode,
and some countries I toured long-term, so I'm writing this based on my criteria.
What's your favorite country?
Best
1. Taiwan
While the city is busy with motorcycles,
the roads for two-wheeled vehicles are definitely well-maintained,
and they're even better once you get to the outskirts, which is great.
Moreover, since many people ride scooters, they're very accommodating toward two-wheeled vehicles.
The road surfaces are good, there are many challenging uphills, and people are kind. I think it's the best country for cycling tours.
2. Netherlands
Strictly separated car lanes and bicycle paths.
I briefly bumped into someone standing on the bicycle path,
and when I apologized profusely, they said it was fine.
It seems pedestrians aren't supposed to stand on the bicycle path.
That's how comfortable it is to ride a bicycle there.
All routes are flat. Sigh...
3. Japan
First, speed limits on national and local roads are 50 in many places,
so cars drive slowly,
and since the rules are strict, drivers are very considerate of cyclists.
The road surfaces are silky smooth, but the downside is that the roads are narrow, so when cargo trucks pass, it's really scary.
Worst
1. New Zealand
The road surfaces are terrible. I don't know about MTBs, but for road bikes, the surfaces are too rough,
rattle rattle rattle... the ride quality is a mess.
Except for urban areas, two-lane roads have a speed limit of 100,
so cars drive really fast as soon as they leave the city.
Plus, when you encounter those long connected trucks, the fear is huge. Just from the sound.
However, drivers are considerate toward cyclists and pedestrians.
2. Thailand
First, it's hot. The road conditions aren't bad, but once it gets past 10 AM,
it's unbearably hot. Chiang Mai and northern areas might be better, but
the suburbs of Bangkok are absolutely hellish heat.
3. India
I spent a day cycling around and it was intense.
Cars, motorcycles, ox carts, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, cattle, pigs,
it's crazy. The road conditions are naturally terrible.
My nose gets all sooty from the exhaust fumes. haha
Finally, my own country.
Even though people joke about it, our country is good too.
The national cycle routes are well-maintained,
and most drivers overtake from a safe distance.
Since I rarely ride on 4+ lane roads except for brief passages,
I'm not sure about those,
but on quiet local roads, drivers' manners seem to be very good.
Though it does get more aggressive as you get closer to cities. ^^
As I'm writing this, I want to go somewhere,
but I'm worried because gas prices have gotten too expensive.
Where did you think was good, and where was not so good for you?
