News Pedal power, local charm: sanso cycling gaining popularity

[thomas]

Shimano, the renowned bicycle parts manufacturer, advocates for a slower pace in cycling: the company introduced the "sanso" (散走) slow cycling concept in 2006 and has since been actively promoting it. The sanso concept encourages cyclists to take their time and enjoy the journey, much like strolling. This approach has gained popularity, with an increasing number of organized tours and specialized cycling maps designed to showcase local attractions. Sanso events vary but generally fall into two categories: guided tours that follow specific routes and themes and free-roaming events where participants can explore at their own pace.

Photo credit: Omura Mika​

Tokyo's Ota Ward has created a website titled "Let's go for sanso." It states that sanso's "purpose is not to ride fast but to tour slowly while enjoying fresh encounters and discoveries at a given time and place." The ward included the sanso concept in its policy to enhance bicycle use in fiscal 2022. Eight sanso bicycle tours took place in the ward last fiscal year under such themes as fine cuisine and magnificent night scenery. "The large area of Ota Ward is dotted with shopping streets, historic locations, public bathhouses and other appealing locations," said Reiko Atsukawa, head of the ward's urban infrastructure planning and arrangement unit. "Our town is the best destination for sense," Atsukawa says. Residents who travel around the ward by bicycle may find new attractions, which will nurture their civic pride and love for their hometown. In late June, the second national sanso forum ran in Ota Ward. Fifty-seven people, including those who joined by videoconference, reported on sanso tours and other advantageous uses of bicycles across Japan.

Leisurely ‘sanso’ cyclists develop new appreciation for local charms | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Link:

Sanso Network

Sanso Network has been promoting slow cycling since 2006.

jref.com

 

[johnnyG]

A (mis?)quote: "If you want to see the most in the shortest distance, walk." So cycling slower to see more would be a good thing.

Maybe post this over on TCC and see what the response is?

 

[thomas]

I thought the topic was more suitable for the JREF clientele than our TCC members.