BICYCLE MUSEUM

CYCLE CENTER

Bicycles and their future potential

夢 自 転 車

ENGLISH

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Why are bicycles drawing public attention these days?

We are moved by the beauty of nature.

We know the joy of being impressed by the long-lasting workings of nature continuing

from the ancient times.

That is because people are part of the natural environment.

Our society requires environmental measures on a global scale.

Bicycles are propelled solely by human power, and their environmental impact is minimal.

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For this reason, bicycles are drawing public attention

as a means of transport in the coming smart-mobility society.

As bicycles have grown easier and more comfortable to ride,

they have been increasingly accepted as tools that enable us to feel nature.

More and more people are enjoying the time to feel close to nature.

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I. Bicycle Museum〈History of bicycles〉

Guidance theater (about 12 min.)

History of Sakai dating back to the times the tumuli were built

Stairs

Elevator

Stairs

Entrance

Rest room

Reception

The evolution of bicycles is explained

in five stages, based on the exhibition

of classic to latest bicycle models.

Bicycle history

floor2F

1814Congress of Vienna

1830July Revolution in France

1851The Great Exhi-bition was held. (in London)

1876Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. (in the U.S.)

1869The Suez Canal was opened.

1879Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb. (in the U.S.)

1896The Games of the I Olympiad (in Athens) were held.

1893Rudolf Diesel invented the internal com-bustion engine. (in Germany)

1853Matthew C. Perry (U.S. special envoy) entered the Uraga Channel at the en-trance of Tokyo Bay.

1867Tokugawa Yoshinobu returned the governing power to the Emperor. (The Tokugawa Shogu-nate came to an end.)

1821Maps of Japan's coastal areas (Dai Nihon Enkai Yochi Zenzu) were completed by Ino Tadataka's team.

1872The first railway between Shimbashi and Yokohama was opened.Tomioka Silk Mill began operations.

1873The government of Japan officially participated in the Weltausstellung 1873 Wien(World Exhibition in Vienna).

1885Ito Hirobumi took office as the first prime minister.

1889The Constitution of the Empire of Japan was promulgated.

1869The first road race in the world was held. (123 km between Paris and Rouen)

1879The bicyclette (the basic structure of the modern bicycle) was invented.

1885The safety bicycle (having front and rear wheels of almost the same size) was invented.

1892The Japanese Ministry of Post and Telecommu-nications started to use bicycles to deliver tele-graphs.

1896Cycling events were held in the Games of the I Olympiad (in Athens).

1899Production of bicycle parts started in Sakai, Osaka.

1888Dunlop invented air-filled or pneu-matic tires.

1818The draisine was in-vented by the German Baron Karl von Drais.

1861Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest Michaux in France invented a bicycle whose front wheel was equipped with pedals.

Around 1870Ordinary bicycles became popu-lar. The size of the front wheel further increased, helping to speed up bicycles. Japan started to import bicycles.

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History of inventions 1 Draisine

Bicycles refer to steerable vehicles that are propelled solely by human

power. A draisine, from which modern bicycles are considered to

originate, was a twowheeled wooden vehicle equipped with a

handlebar. The rider kicked the ground to propel the vehicle. The

draisine was invented by Karl von Drais (a German) in 1818. This

invention was epoch-making in terms of the achievement of a steerable

mechanism by arranging two wheels in series (rather than in parallel).

According to records, a draisine could travel a distance of 37 km at a

speed of 15 km per hour. Draisines were expensive because they were

made from wood and handcrafted. Nevertheless, production started

in different parts of Europe after the vehicle was patented in 1818. The

vehicle became popular throughout Europe.A wooden brake was installed on the rear wheel.

The 1818 model enabled adjustment of the seat and armrest heights.

1903The Wright Brothers succeeded in the first flight using a gasoline engine. (in the U.S.)

1914World War I broke out.The Panama Canal was opened.

1957Russia succeeded in launching the world’s first arti-ficial satellite.

1969 1989Neil Armstrong, commander of Apollo 11 (launched by the U.S.), became the first human being to step onto the surface of the Moon.

The Berlin Wall fell.

1995Windows 95 was released, herald-ing the era of the Internet.

1972Okinawa was returned to Japan.The Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo.

1989The Japanese calen-dar era changed from Showa to Heisei.

1998The Winter Olympics were held in Nagano.

2002The FIFA World Cup was cohosted by Ja-pan and South Korea. (Japan proceeded to the Round of 16.)

1939World War II broke out.

1901The Yawata Steel Works began operations.

1923The Great Kanto Earthquake occurred.

1941The Pacific War broke out.

1949Hideki Yukawa became the first Japanese to win the Nobel Prize.

1964The Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo.The Tokaido Shinkansen was opened.

1970The World Expo was held in Osaka.

1903The first Tour de France was held.

1909The first Giro d’Italia was held.

1974The prototype of mountain bicycles (based on beach cruisers) emerged in the U.S.

1980BMX racing became popular in the U.S.

1982The concept of aerodynamics was introduced to bicycles.

1990The World Cycling Cham-pionships took place in Japan.

1993The first pedal-assisted bicycles appeared in Japan.

2013The 100th Tour de France was held.

1971Bicology be-came popular in the U.S.

1973A professional European team was the first to partici-pate in the Tour de France using bicycles equipped with parts made in Japan.

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History of inventions 2 Michaux

History of inventions 4 Safety bicycle

In 1861, Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest Michaux (who furnished

carriage parts in Paris) invented a mechanism to turn the front wheel

via a crank and pedal. The frame material was changed from wood

to steel, and mass production started. Bicycles became increasingly

popular by around 1867 when the Paris Exposition was held. Michaux

et Cie (“Michaux and company”) sold 1,000 bicycles annually. Around

this period, bicycles of this type were called boneshakers in Britain

because the shock from the stone pavement was so great. Bicycles were

imported to Japan at the end of the Edo Period (1603‒1867).

Bicycles were required to be faster, easier to get on and off, and safer

for anyone to ride. In 1879, the Englishman Henry Lawson invented a

mechanism to turn the crank and drive the rear wheel via a chain. In

1885, the Englishman John Kemp Starley produced and sold bicycles

that were easy for any rider to handle, with the front and rear wheels

of almost the same size. This bicycle was named the Rover safety

bicycle, and was sold under the product name “safety bicycle.” This is

the origin of the modern bicycle. Mass production led to significantly

lower prices, making the product affordable to many people.

History of inventions 3 Ordinary

The bicycle racing that started in Paris became highly popular by around

1870. The focus of interest shifted to speed. To further increase the

speed, the size of the front wheel was increased to the maximum size that

the feet could reach, resulting in the ordinary model featuring a small

rear wheel. The ordinary model was massproduced in Britain, which was

the leader in metalworking technology due to the Industrial Revolution

(starting in the latter half of the 18th century) and became the center of

bicycle production. The distance per turn of the pedal as well as the speed

increased. The ordinary model came into popular use, and was imported

to Japan where it was nicknamed the dharma-shaped bicycle.

Weights (oil pots) were attached to the opposite sides of the tread surface of the pedal to ensure that the tread surface was always turned upward.

The brake lever was installed on the handlebar.

The chain mechanism to drive the rear wheel has been used to date.

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History of inventions 5 Farther, faster, and more enjoyable

Comfort BikeIn the latter half of the 20th century, riding a bicycle for fitness became an increasingly

popular practice due to growing health consciousness. The category of comfort bikes,

which were different from conventional road racing bikes and mountain bikes, was

gradually established. In Europe, the U.S., and Japan, a new lifestyle rapidly emerged of

enjoying cycling in parks and the natural environment, in contrast to competitions and

intense sports. The photograph shows a model equipped with a computer-controlled

derailleur system and suspensions.

Mountain BikeMountain bikes are considered to have originated in Marin County in the suburbs of San

Francisco, USA. In the 1970s, ecological awareness and health consciousness came into

the mainstream, and an outdoor lifestyle of enjoying spending time in nature was widely

accepted. A group of inventive young people started to modify beach cruisers, etc.,

for time trials by cycling down mountain trails. Fascinated by this leisure activity, they

were no longer satisfied with conventional bicycles. From around 1977, they started to

manufacture bicycles designed exclusively for riding on mountainous terrain and in the

wild. In fact, they laid the foundation for the fabrication and sales of mountain bikes and

helped establish the culture of mountain bicycling. With the start of mass production in

the 1980s, mountain bikes started to spread from the U.S. to the rest of the world.

Road Racing BikeRoad racing bikes are specially designed for high-speed cycling on paved roads. Sports

bicycles have developed through the history of road racing. The first longdistance road

race was held between Paris and Rouen in 1869. A bicycle event was held at the Games

of the I Olympiad in 1896. Around 1890 saw development of drop handlebars that offer

superb drivability and derailleur gears capable of coping with ups and downs on mountain

slopes. It was in the 1910s when road racing bikes close to the contemporary models (i.e.,

equipped with drop handlebars and derailleur gears) came into popular use. In 1937, use of

derailleur gears was allowed in the Tour de France, considered the most prominent bicycle

racing event in the world in which contestants cycle a distance of more than 3,000 km

around France during a period of three weeks. In the 1970s, Japanese parts manufacturers

started to fully participate in the race, helping accelerate technological innovation.

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〈History of Sakai〉

Sakai is home to many tumuli including

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun.

This is linked to the fact that Sakai has

grown as a city of bicycles.

1. Iron processing technique that was required to build tumuli

Sakai is home to the Mozu Tumulus Cluster that currently consists of

46 tumuli. (There used to be 107 tumuli.) In the 4th century to the

middle of the 5th century, craftsmen who were able to process iron

(that was required to build tumuli) were gathered from in and outside

Japan; they settled in Sakai. Civil engineering tools including plows

and hoes were produced using iron processing techniques. Iron forging

techniques laid the foundation for the art of blacksmithing to produce

cutlery (kitchen knives). Today, Sakai Cutlery (Sakaiuchi-Hamono) is

highly evaluated; most of the kitchen knives used by professional cooks

are considered to have been manufactured in Sakai.

“History of Sakai” space on 2F

* Photo courtesy: City of SakaiRichu-tenno-ryo KofunGuwashobo Kofun

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun

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2. From production of cutlery to production of guns

Eventually, craftsmen who had superb iron processing techniques

started to produce cutlery including swords and kitchen knives. In 1543,

Portuguese traders arrived on Tanegashima Island and introduced

guns to Japan. The guns were so powerful that they rapidly came into

use as the main weapons in warfare. To meet the growing demand,

mass production of guns started in Sakai. This was made possible by

the excellent production framework (based on division of labor) and

management capabilities. Specifically, craftsmen had high levels of iron

processing techniques and forging (heating, beating, and strengthening

metals to make products)/casting (putting molten metals into casting

molds to make products) techniques for producing breech plugs that

were attached to the bottom of guns. These craftsmen were organized

by Sakai merchants to determine parts specifications and produce

finished products.

3. From production of guns to production of bicycles-evolution of technologies

At the end of the Edo Period (1603‒1867), foreign settlements were built

in Yokohama (in 1863), Osaka and Kobe (in 1868). Many foreigners started

to live in Japan. Shortly, they started to ride bicycles including Michaux

models that were brought from their countries. In those days, “vehicles”

for the Japanese people were litter vehicles. Some Japanese people

who found that these highly unusual vehicles were convenient started

to import bicycles from the U.S. and Europe, etc. Ordinary people could

not afford to buy expensive bicycles. In 1877, the bicycle rental business

started, promoting the use of bicycles nationwide. Bicycle manufacturing

in Japan started from the repair of rental bicycles. Advanced techniques

of gun blacksmithing that had been refined in Japan were applied to the

manufacture of parts, leading to the evolution of bicycle manufacturing

technologies. Bicycles came into popular use as a convenient means of

transport for people and cargo. Today, Sakai is known worldwide as a city

of bicycles derived from gun manufacturing techniques.

* Photo courtesy: City of Sakai

Cityscape in the 1920s

Cityscape in the 1930s

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■ Improving the bicycle traffic environment

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists, the city has been

improving bicycle lanes to completely separate the traf fic of

pedestrians, bicycles, and automobiles.

■ Community cycle

To facilitate a shift from an automobile-oriented society, the city started

to operate a bicycle sharing system from September 2010. In total,

450 bicycles are available for shared use at six cycle ports (exclusively

designated bicycle parking lots) in Sakai. Bicycles are rented out from

any port, and can be returned to any port. This system is conveniently

designed to meet various needs, including commuting to work or

school, one-day use, and traveling by residents outside the city.

* Prospective users are required to make applications in advance.

4. Community building based on bicycle promotion activities

Bicycles are good for the health, and their environmental impact is

minimal. The City of Sakai has been working on various projects to

become a model city based on bicycle promotion activities.

* Photo courtesy: City of Sakai

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〈Why are bicycles hot today?〉Bicycles are good for the environment, health, and society. The third floor presents bicycles

from various perspectives so that visitors can learn about the potential of bicycles.

For example, the “Bicycle lifestyle proposals” space explains the benefits to health and beauty

derived from the use of bicycles, which are hot topics these days. In the experience space,

visitors can experience bicycle functions including brakes, derailleur gears, and generators.

Bicycle newspaper for children“An ideal solution to protect the environment”

City of bicyclesSakai’s efforts

Space to try and experience bicycle functionsSafety check points for bicycles, etc.

Video to raise awareness about traffic safety

Special exhibition

Bicycles that won the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and World Cycling Championships

Stairs

Elevator

Various bicycle lifestyles are presented.The ceiling features bicycles drawn by children.

Metabolic syndrome measuring equipment

Bicycle culture

floor3F

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“Bicycle newspaper for children” space

This space plainly explains why bicycles are

environmentally friendly.

“Bicycle lifestyle proposals” space

This space explains how to ride a bicycle properly and

proposes methods to enjoy cycling. A lot of useful

information is available to promote and maintain health.

“Sakai, the city of bicycles” space

This space presents Sakai’s community building

efforts as the city of bicycles.

“Bicycle functions experience” space

Visitors can experience and learn about the roles and

functions of derailleur gears, brakes, and generators.

Experience generators

Experience brakesExperience derailleur gears

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Special exhibitionBicycles have different histories and cultures in different parts of

the world. The special exhibition space focuses on topics that are

significant in the history of bicycles in Japan and the rest of the world,

and features bicycles and cultures based on various themes.

Special exhibition space

2005 “ History of mountain bicycles”

2006 “History of derailleur gears”

2007 “ Exhibition of bicycles

manufactured in the Showa Era (1926-1989)”

2009 “ History of road racing bicycles”

2010 “ Bicycles on the streets and

in nature around the world”

2013 “Bicycles in the Netherlands”

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Multipurpose hall

PassageElevator

World bicycle exhibitionA collection and exhibition of about 250 bicycles

Stairs

Entrance/exit for persons with physical disabilities

Exhibition of works from the painting contest

Library

Stairs

Rest room for persons with physical disabilities

Rest room

In 1973, a Japanese parts manufacturer participated

in the top professional race in Europe for the first

time. The photo shows the bicycle used by a Belgian

team (Flandria) sponsored by a Japanese parts

manufacturer.

〈Wonderful world of bicycles〉

World bicycle

exhibition floor

1F

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250 bicycles on exhibitionVisitors can look at various classic bicycles

and tricycles collected from different parts of

the world, including travel bicycles, bicycles

for children, and all-weather bicycles.

Also on exhibition are many bicycles that

achieved substantial results in the Tour de

France and other top races around the world.

LibraryThe library features a large collection of books

regarding bicycles, including their history, cycling,

and mechanisms. The books are freely available for

reading in the library.

Multipurpose hallThe hall (capacity: 48 persons) is used for various cultural activities

including lectures, presentations, seminars, and workshops.

Exhibition of works from a bicycle painting contestOn exhibition are prize-winning works from a children’s

painting contest for summer recess.

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II. People, communities, and bicycles

Bicycles are an integral part of our daily lives.

Bicycles are not just convenient and familiar vehicles.

They are environmentally friendly and used in community building efforts.

Above all, bicycles help promote health and offer enjoyment in many ways.

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Bicycles as environmentally friendly vehicles

NL Agency

■ Our planet is at stake.

Global warming is one of the environmental problems that have

attracted public attention in different parts of the world. The

Industrial Revolution that started in the latter half of the 18th century

triggered increased consumption of fossil fuels, resulting in increased

concentration of greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide) in the

atmosphere. While the sunlight reaches and warms the Earth’s surface,

the heat released from the Earth’s surface is trapped by the atmosphere,

leading to higher average temperature of the atmosphere and oceans

over the long term. Global warming is considered to increase and

intensify extreme weather such as floods, droughts, intense heat, and

hurricanes. We must take measures to deal with these problems.

■ Efforts to prevent global warming

Prevention of global warming requires reduction in greenhouse gas

emissions. One of the solutions is to reduce automobile dependency,

because automobiles consume gasoline and release emissions

containing carbon dioxide. Let’s take a look at bicycles that are

propelled solely by human power. Bicycles are environmentally friendly

vehicles because they neither release emissions nor require large

amounts of energy in their manufacture and disposal, and have minimal

impact on the social infrastructure.

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Community building based on bicycle promotion activities

■ In Europe

Since the Kyoto Protocol was adopted at the Third United Nations

Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1997, respective countries

have been working to promote the convention. European countries

have been actively promoting the use of bicycles. In the Netherlands,

where most of the nation's land is below sea level, the rising sea

level due to global warming is a big problem. The national and local

governments are working with companies to prevent global warming.

One of the important efforts is the use of bicycles. Bicycle paths have

been built, traffic signal rules have been changed, and incentives have

been provided for commuting by bicycle.

Similar community building projects based on bicycle promotion activities

are underway in cities across Europe including in Germany and France.

■ Community cycle system

The community cycle system originated in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

One good example of a community cycle system is Velib in Paris,

France. The system was introduced in the summer of 2007. Community

cycle terminals (managed using IC chips) were set up at approx. 300

meter intervals. The fees are far less than those of buses and subways.

The system turned out to be so popular that it was used by as many as

200,000 people in the following year. Today, cycle systems have been

increasingly employed in cities around the world.

■ Status and efforts in Japan

In Japan, a community cycle system is in place in Toyama

City. The system is operated by a private company. This

cooperative effort between the local government and

citizens has been changing people’s lifestyles. Active efforts have been

made in Japan, though Japan lags far behind Europe in solving various

issues including the social infrastructure.

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Promoting health while having fun

■ Leisurely cycling on fashionable bicycles

A new cycling trend has been gradually emerging. People are riding

their favorite bicycles at their own pace in parks and along rivers,

just as if they were strolling. As they enjoy a leisurely time feeling the

breeze on their cheeks, they may view the ordinary landscapes they

pass through in a new light.

■ Sports touring

Riding to the suburbs on a sports bicycle helps riders break away from

their daily routine. Sports bicycles enable riders to readily make small trips

by speeding through the wind, faster and farther than they imagined.

■ Mountain bicycles for enjoying nature

Mountain bicycles are suited to cruising around in the nature, with off-

road endurance. Riders can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle.

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Children’s painting contest for summer recess

This contest helps children, who will be the future leaders, develop abilities to observe things

carefully and to be creative, based on the theme of bicycles that are familiar in daily life.

Events at the museum

Events at the Bicycle Square

・‌‌Children’s painting contest for summer recess

・‌‌“This is the bicycle I wanted” contest

・‌‌Handmade toy workshops

・‌‌Workshops to learn how to ride a bicycle properly

・‌‌Bicycle safety workshops for children and cycling in Daisen Park

・‌‌Ride and experience classic bicycles

Period : end of July to early September each year

Themes : (1) people and bicycles in daily life (2) bicycles in the museum (sketching) (3) imaginary bicycles

Eligibility for participation : elementary school students and infants (five years or older as of April 1)

Admission fees : free of charge when children and their parents/guardians are admitted for sketching

Exhibition of works : from early October

Commendation : Special Recognition Award, Sakura Color Products Award, Miki House Award, Special Effort Award, etc.

Number of applications received in 2013 : 37,905

III.Activities at the Bicycle Museum Cycle Center

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“This is the bicycle I wanted” contest

Problem-solving abilities are required in our daily life. This contest is based on teaching materials to help

children develop these abilities. Specifically, children are encouraged to think about social problems and

come up with solutions through bicycles that are familiar in daily life.

Handmade toy workshops

Instructors from different genres are invited for each workshop.

The events help facilitate parent-child communication through making toys.

Period : specified for each year

Themes : specified for each year

Eligibility for participation : elementary school students (in upper grades) and junior high school students

Exhibition of works : one year in the museum

Commendation : Special Recognition Award, Excellence Award, Special Effort Award

Date : once a month (on a Sunday or holiday)

Time : 10:00 a.m. ‒3:00 p.m.

Participation fee : free of charge (Admission fee is required.)

Applications received : first 50 applications

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Workshops to learn how to ride a bicycle properly (for beginners)

Lessons are available for beginners who cannot ride a bicycle. Participants receive video lessons

and practical guidance so that they can ride a bicycle without training wheels.

Applications accepted : individuals who cannot ride a bicycle can participate. They must be aged between 5 and 60, and must be 105 cm or taller at the time of reservation.Minors must be accompanied by their parent/guardian (20 years or older).

Date : every Saturday and 1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays, and weekdays * Workshops may not be held on Saturdays and Sundays depending on the schedule.

Time : 9:20 a.m. ‒ 4:00 p.m. * The time changes in summer.

Fee : free of charge

Place : Daisen Park Bicycle Square

Application : Reservation is required. Please apply on the Bicycle Museum’s website or at the Bicycle Museum. * Telephone reservations are not accepted.

Bicycle Square

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Bicycle safety workshops for children and cycling in Daisen Park

Bicycle safety workshops for children and cycling in Daisen Park are organized for graduates of

the workshops for beginners and local children. With cooperation from the Sakai Police Station,

workshops are held to help participants learn how to ride a bicycle safely.

Applications accepted : individuals aged between 5 and 10 (Participants must be able to ride a bicycle without training wheels.)Minors must be accompanied by their parent/guardian (20 years or older).

Date : once a month (on a Sunday) * The event will be canceled in the event of rain.

Time : 9:00 a.m. ‒11: 30 a.m.

Fee : free of charge

Place : Daisen Park Bicycle Square

Application : Reservation is required. Please apply on the Bicycle Museum’s website or at the Bicycle Museum. * Telephone reservations are not accepted.

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Ride and experience classic bicycles (replicas)

The Daisen Park Bicycle Square offers valuable

opportunities to ride classic bicycles and learn the

history and mechanism of bicycles.

Learning the history and mechanism of bicycles

■ Draisine

The draisine, the world’s first bicycle,

was invented by the German Baron

Karl von Drais in 1818. The rider kicked

the ground to propel the vehicle.

• Date : �2nd�and�4th�Sundays,�national�holidays�

(The event will be canceled in the event of rain.)

10:00 a.m.‒3:30 p.m.

* The date is subject to change.

* The event will be canceled in the event of rain.

• �Fees : �Common�ticket�for�the�Bicycle�Museum�and

"ride and experience classic bicycles (replicas)"

Information for visitors

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■ Boneshaker

The pedal-driven bicycle was invented

by Pierre Michaux and his son Ernest

Michaux in France in 1861. It was

called the boneshaker due to the poor

riding comfort it provided.

■ Coventry tricycle

This unique side-drive tricycle was invented

in Britain in 1876. The tricycle has two small

wheels in series on the right side and one

large wheel on the left side. * The vehicle provided for riding and

experience is a two-seater.

■ Ordinary

From around 1870, the size of the front

wheel was increased to increase the speed

of bicycles. The center of gravity was high

in the front, making the vehicle unstable

and difficult to mount and dismount.

■ Tricycle with rear wheel steering

The tricycle was developed in Britain in 1875.

The rear wheel was used for steering.* The vehicle provided for riding and

experience has four wheels.

■ Tandem tricycle

The two-seater tricycle was invented in

France in 1869. The rider on the front

seat steered the front wheel, while the

two riders both pedaled the tricycle.

■ Starley Sociable

This tricycle featured differential gears

(invented by James Starley in 1877) and

a rack-and-pinion steering mechanism

for the front wheel, serving as the

basis of the automobile structure.

■ Clipper tricycle

This racing tricycle, which was

manufactured in France in 1890,

was an innovative, fast model.

■ Salvo tricycle

The tricycle was invented in Britain in

1880. Two large wheels in the rear were

used as drive wheels, and the small

front wheel was used for steering. * The vehicle provided for riding and

experience has four wheels.

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Leisurely cyclingThis event is organized for beginners. Participants slowly travel a distance

of about 10 km. This the first step to learn about the joy of cycling.

IV.Other events organized by the museumDate : once a month

Time : 9:00 a.m. ‒12:00 p.m.

Place : Bicycle Museum

Fee : free of charge

* Participants are advised to buy bicycle insurance before participating in the event.

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Healthy cyclingThis event is intended to maintain and promote health through cycling.

Participants travel a distance of about 30 km to experience cycling as a sport.

Date : once a month

Time : 9:00 a.m. ‒12:00 p.m.

Fee : free of charge

* Participants are advised to buy bicycle insurance before participating in the event.

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2.Touring by mountain BikeThis event is organized for beginners and intermediate

users of mountain bicycles. Participants travel a distance of

about 15 ‒20 km, mainly on unpaved roads.

1. Bicycle maintenance seminarParticipants can acquire basic skills for cycling (e.g.,

maintaining a bicycle, fixing a flat tire) and learn how to

ride a bicycle safely.

Seminars to experience bicycle lifestyles, and sports bicycle lessons for adults

Date : once a month in April, June, August, and October

Time : 9:00 a.m. ‒12:00 p.m.

Place : Daisen Park Bicycle Square

Date : once a month in December, January, February, and March

Time : 9:00 a.m. ‒12:00 p.m.

Fee : free of charge

* Participants are advised to buy bicycle insurance before participating in the event.

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3. Road bicycle lessonsThese experience-based lessons are organized for beginners of

road cycling. Participants can learn positioning, maneuvering

on slopes, cornering, and braking.

Date : once a month in May, July, September, and November

Time : 9:00 a.m. ‒12:00 p.m.

Fee : free of charge

* Participants are advised to buy bicycle insurance before participating in the event.

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The club is voluntarily organized by members who wish to enrich life through cycling.

Our events help members enjoy and enrich their lives by sharing time and communicating through cycling

to various destinations. Each month, cycling events are held several times depending on the season.

Members go cycling together and keep cycling records, etc., on a blog to promote friendship.* The name of the Muse Cycling Club is derived from the Bicycle Museum and the Muses,

the goddesses of poetry and music in Greek mythology.

＜MCC secretariat＞

In the Bicycle Museum, Shimano Cycle Development Center

(a public interest incorporated foundation)

＜Activity policy＞

・‌Keep integrity as cycling groups.

・‌Plan and organize cycling events that all members can enjoy.

・‌Train and certify leaders and assistants who can lead cycling groups.

・‌Encourage cyclists to keep traffic rules, and raise awareness to observe good etiquette.

・‌Expand the network by soliciting new club members.

・‌Disseminate information in different parts of Japan (e.g., events) to promote the use of bicycles.

＜Membership conditions＞

・‌Individuals who have participated in events organized by the Bicycle Museum

・‌Aged 18 or older (Individuals aged under 20 must submit a written approval obtained from their parents/guardians.)

・‌Members must buy bicycle insurance policies. (A photocopy of the insurance policy must be submitted to the secretariat.)

・‌Members must be able to go cycling in groups, and comply with the Road Traffic Act.

・‌Members must be able to participate in events on their own responsibility.

＜How to apply to participate in events＞

Visit the event participation application page on the Bicycle Museum website.

Muse Cycling Club (MCC)

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Information about the Bicycle Museum Cycle Center

Hours : 10:00 a.m.‒4:30 p.m. (admission allowed by 4:00 p.m.)

Closed : Mondays, and the next days following national holidays, year end and New Year holidays

Admission fees : Common ticket for the Bicycle Museum and “ride and experience classic bicycles (replicas)”

65 years or older‌・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 100 yen (80 yen for groups)

General‌・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ 200 yen (160 yen for groups)

Junior high/high school/university students‌・・ 100 yen (80 yen for groups)

Elementary school students‌ ・・・・・・・・・ 50 yen (40 yen for groups)

Preschoolers・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・・ Free of charge

*Group fees apply to groups of 20 or more individuals.

* The museum admission fee includes the fee for the “ride and experience classic bicycles (replicas).”

Exemption of admission fees : groups of elementary school/junior

high/high school students led by teachers, persons with disabilities

and their attendants (one attendant per person with disabilities).

Admission is free for elementary school/junior high school students

on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

Parking lot capacity : 12 passenger cars at the Cycle Center

For motorcoaches, the municipal parking lot is available near the

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun.

＜Access to the Bicycle Museum Cycle Center＞

● About 13 min. on foot from Mozu Sta. on the JR Hanwa Line

● ‌‌Get off at Sakaihigashi Sta. on the Nankai Koya Line, and transfer

to the Nankai Bus Denen Line (Bus terminal No. 2 for Fukai-eki).

About 3 min. on foot from the Daisen-cho bus stop.

＜Access to the Daisen Park Bicycle Square＞

● About 6 min. on foot from Mozu Sta. on the JR Hanwa Line

● ‌‌Get off at Sakaihigashi Sta. on the Nankai Koya Line, and transfer

to the Nankai Bus Denen Line (Bus terminal No. 3 for Fukai-eki).

About 8 min. on foot from the Mozu-ekimae bus stop.

http://www.bikemuse.jp/［e-mail］info@bikemuse.jp

Bicycle Museum website

A PUBLIC INTEREST INCORPORATED FOUNDATION

SHIMANO CYCLE DEVELOPMENT CENTER (BICYCLE MUSEUM CYCLE CENTER)

18-2 Daisen-nakamachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai City 590-0801 JapanPhone : +81-72-243-3196　Fax : +81-72-244-4119

Hanshin Expressway Sakai Exit

Nankai Koya Line Sakaihigashi Sta.

Chuo Loop Line

Goryo St.

Daisen-cho bus stop

Nintoku-tenno-ryo Kofun

Bicycle Square

Moat

Moat

Sakai Municipal Central Library

Japanese garden

Daisen Park

Dora-ike (pond)

Sakai City Museum

Mozu Sta.

To T

enno

ji

Municipal parking lot

Parking lot

Parking lot

Temporary parking lot

Sakai Urban Greening Center

Event Plaza

BICYCLE MUSEUMCYCLE CENTER

History of bicycles and Sakai

Bicycle lifestyle proposals, and bicycle mechanisms

World bicycle exhibition

Special exhibition space

Proposing various bicycle lifestyles

Library

Emergency exit

Space to try and experience bicycle functions

Multipurpose hall

History of Sakai

Guidance Theater

World bicycle exhibition

A PUBLIC INTEREST INCORPORATED FOUNDATION

SHIMANO CYCLE DEVELOPMENT CENTER

Exhibition of bicycles, from classic to latest models

Entrance

Reception

Stairs

2F

3F

1F

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