In 2016, Taipei hosted the world’s premier cycling conference and plugged bike-commuting as a green transportation option. Two years on, is Taipei any closer to emulating cycling capitals around the world?
The News Lens
Date: 2018/04/06
By: Siok Hui Leong
Credit: TUBA
Street-smarts, gumption and a dollop of luck are part of the basic arsenal for bicycle-commuting in Taipei.
For expatriate Adam Graudus, his daily commute is a 30-minute endurance event involving boorish scooter and bus drivers, as well as obtuse general motorists.
“Drivers, scooter riders in particular, don’t indicate or look before switching lanes, or backing out of parking spaces. And buses cut in sharply to make a stop even though it means obstructing my lane,” says the video producer, who’s been bike-commuting in the capital for three years.
“In 2016, I was sideswiped by a driver who changed lane without indicating whilst exiting a bridge off Bade Road. We agreed not to file a police report because I wasn’t seriously injured,” says Graudus, adding: “Last year I was knocked over by scooter driver who made a sudden left turn.” [FULL STORY]
