Kanagawa Prefecture’s Efforts to Promote Bicycle Use
Summary
Kanagawa Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan and Cycling Map
In Kanagawa Prefecture, the “Kanagawa Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan” was developed in March 2020, taking into consideration the “Bicycle Utilization Promotion Plan” designed by the national government in June 2018 as well as opinions from prefectural residents. The Prefecture advocates the concept of “ME-BYO,” which refers to physical and mental conditions not as a dichotomy between health and disease, but as a continuum between health and disease, and considers it important to work on improving ME-BYO (management of ME-BYO) through diet, exercise, and social participation on a daily basis. Bicycle riding contributes to the improvement of ME-BYO by making it easy to maintain moderate exercise intensity and by increasing opportunities for social participation by getting out and about. The goal of this plan is to realize a Kanagawa where everyone can live a long and healthy life by using bicycles.
Kanagawa Prefecture is a hilly land, but the western area has relatively low and gentle terrain suitable for cycling, which has a variety of environments, including magnificent nature such as oceans, mountains, and rivers, hot springs, and locally produced food. We have created a cycling map for the enjoyment of as many people as possible. Recommended courses include a course for beginners and intermediate cyclists and another for advanced cyclists, which can be enjoyed by a wide range of cyclists including older adults. “Bike Stations” with bike racks have been set up throughout the Kanagawa West area to increase accessibility and access and include dining and resting options.
Key facts
Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)
Sector(s): Education, Health, Information and communication, Transportation, Urban development
Desired outcome for older people:
Be mobile
- Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)