Rental bicycles as tourists' "legs" in Saiki City

Oita Godo Newspaper (December 17, 2009 10:19)

Saiki City Tourism Association began a trial of "bicycle rental" for tourists. The purpose is to further promote remained famous places such as castles, samurai residences and streets as tourist attractions by expanding the tourists' "legs" to those who formerly walked only in the center of the city.

The bicycles are available at the City Tourist Association office near Oita Bus Terminal in Otemachi town, Saiki city, and the city tourist office in JR Saeki. After use, the bicycles can be returned either. Rental fee is 300 yen per 2 hours for adults and 150 yen for elementary school students or younger.

Overall 20 units including 4 for children are prepared. In order to tickle tourists, stickers read as well-known names in associated with the city like "Chrysanthemum Princess", "Hotappi", "Portman" and so on, are pasted in front of the front baskets.

Cycling route map will be well created within in the next spring. City Tourism Association said "At the heart of the city, there are Shiroyama and Yamagiwa Streets, and a lot of beautiful season changing sights at Banjou River to see. We hope tourists enjoy the relaxed bicycling. Contact the City Tourist Association (TEL 0972-23-1101).

Comment: Very good tourism improvement in Saiki. It is also good for tourists' health themselves! I have been to Saiki twice; one for a home stay and another for a speech at Rotary club. So I know that Saiki has made a lot of effort to develop the city's tourism industry. I wish it the big success!!

PUNTHUCHAT Siripun

Thailand

APS4, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University