Benefits Of Installing Bike Stands Near Train Stations

Many cosmopolitan cities in the world have train system that takes everyone from one point of the city to the other in a jiffy without the hassle of driving a car, getting stuck at traffic and contributing to the unnecessary pollution of driving.

A daily bike commute to the train station is a common activity of many people, whether students or workers, living in the city and suburb. A bike is usually the cheapest and the best way to reach the train station in time to catch the train for the commuter's next destination.

It is beneficial for cities to install bike stands near the train stations to accommodate commuters who prefer to reach the train station using bikes. Below are good reasons why local authorities and land developers must install bike stands near train stations:

Less traffic congestion
One less car on the street and multiply that to a hundred more will be a significant reduction on traffic congestion. Thoroughfares will be less congested as more people with bike will be encouraged to use the trains if they see bike stands or bike parks installed near the train stations.

Photo credit: lcc.org.uk

Less pollution
With lesser vehicular smoke emissions, there will be less pollution in the environment. Hence, it is essential for any metropolitan and even suburban areas to consider having bike stands near train stations and even establishments and schools to keep the city clean and green.


Not space-consuming
A bike park with bike stands will not take up so much as space as much as a car parking lot or building. A normal 6-bike stand can occupy around 34 inches of plot only.

Photo credit: yahoo image

Improves health and wellness by encouraging exercise using bikes
Using a bike can burn more calories than driving. It helps rev up your metabolism while improving your cardio and overall well being.


Easy to maintain
A bike park with bike stands is easier to maintain than a spacious car park because of the little space it takes to be cleaned, monitored and maintained.


Cheaper installation costs
A simple bike stand that can hold 6 bikes (3 for each side) costs approximately between $70-$100 only than building a car park with roofs. A bike park will also need overhead covers and cemented flooring but materials for these are lesser compared to the number of materials to be used for car parks.


I have been around many cosmopolitan cities in the world and I have noticed how plenty of commuters are using the bike stands and bike parks near the train stations to park their bikes and proceed using the trains. My recent trip to Tokyo, Japan also highlighted how well accepted by the populace the bike stands near the train stations. They even have exclusive bike path around the city for bikers. I saw plenty of men and women in their business suits, traveling by bike, parking their bikes at the bike park just adjacent to the subway station. As a matter of fact, I have watched from Danny Choo's website about underground electronic bike racks around Japan. I wanted to see one. Unfortunately, I did not go to Shinagawa Station to see the nearby Eco Cycle. I saw the usual bike racks near Maihama Station in Urayasu area which is really packed.

It is important for a city to encompass this kind of parking space for bike commuters. Not only does it help in keeping our carbon footprint to a minimum, it also helps in saving gas, improves health and well-being and decongests road traffic.

Golfing in Germany

Everybody I know who plays golf say it is an easy game because you hit this ball with a metallic club and wish it will land in the putt or it becomes a "lost ball."

My hubby is an amateur golfer. He golfs for leisure and not for sports. At times, he would be with his other friends who share the same passion as his to play golf in nice courses in our area. Sometimes, they visit neighboring towns to check out their golf courses. He has not tried golfing in Europe yet, more so in Germany since lugging all those heavy golf clubs would mean extra expense for our part when we travel. However, whenever we travel, he checks out prices of golf clubs and other golfing accessories there and see the price difference.

We are thrilled to chance upon a site about golf courses in Germany. Although the language used is German, it is still helpful to find Golf shop with all the list of the best online golf shops in Germany. It also has menu for golf courses there which one might try out while having a vacation in Germany, be it a business or a leisure trip. This list of online golf shops in Germany is very usable when you want to check out the nearest golf shop from where you are currently staying.

We were in Germany few months back and have found the country very conducive to golfing especially when the weather is permissible like spring and the early summer. We tried out the mini-golf range in the Olympia Park in Munich and found it quite interesting and exciting considering my handicap. My daughter loved it too and would like to play more if only she had her own golf club! It was certainly fun.

With the sprawling greens, I can just imagine the excitement of a golfer to be able to play in these well-maintained golf courses.

Planning a European Trip

It's still early to decide what to do on my 40th birthday but I am considering a European trip with my family for a week in April. Although my birthday is in March, my daughter's spring break will be in April.

I am thinking of themes to do for my 40th birthday trip. One recurring thought comes to mind - seeing the beautiful tulips in full bloom in Keukenhof, Lisse, Netherlands. I have been imagining the colorful vista in my head already. My decision is leaning towards the trip than a party bash or a birthday Louis Vuitton bag.

My travel bug is biting me again and I have always dreamed of seeing the wonderful Keukenhof, the windmills, the beautiful canals of Amsterdam, the Edam cheese factory and the tiny village of Madurodam. I may throw in a side trip to Belgium since it is close by and is also a part of the Schengen.

I am already looking for budget hotels and transportation available in Netherlands should I decide to take the Belgium side-trip. My husband has a relative in Denmark so we may also squeeze a day or two there before flying back to Dubai.

My 40th birthday will probably be a trip to Europe. I'll narrow down the options before the year ends and once I have my daughter's school time table for 2011-2012.

Europe, here we come!!!

Bienvenuto Italia! Milan - Part 1

Bienvenuto Milan! Here are some snaps taken during our recent trip to Milan, the fashion capital of the world!

The plaza at Duomo.



The Duomo - the 2nd largest cathedral after the St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican.





See the vast nave and pillars. Simply breath-taking!


Going around Milan by train...

A Trip in the Offing

We have this yearly tradition in the family to visit other countries and soak in their culture and bask in the wonderful sights. We have chosen Germany and Italy this year for our annual family trip. I'm glad to know that this time we have been granted multiple-entry for 3 months unlike the first time, we were just given 10 days entry. We may visit again in November when it's almost winter! Oh, we can't wait!

The first stop will be Munchen (or Munich as we commonly know). We will be staying there for 3 days only and then off to viva Italia!

Guten Tag Germany! Buon Giorno Italy!

10 Places to go to in Europe - Cool!

As the summer months come closer, the heat rises and the people scamper to get the holiday packages confirmed and jet off to a nice, cooler climate than the hot regions of the world.

Europe is not exempted from the scorching heat but compared to most countries on the other side of the planet, it is relatively cooler there.

This list is part of my monthly "10 series" and here goes in no particular order:

1. Paris, France
Ok, I'm a little biased here because I really, really love this country. August is normally a very hot month here in Dubai and what better way to cool it off is to head to France where the temperature is not as high as in the Middle East ranging from 60-80 F. Actually, it depends on where you are in France so check the weather stations if you want to visit the place from June to August. Nice attractions are the famous Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre Museum, Euro Disneyland, Notre Dame, Ecole Militare, Seine River and more!

2. Oslo, Norway
My hubby just got back 3 weeks ago from his trip to Oslo, Norway. Although May was still spring season, summer there doesn't involve high temperature melting the polar ice caps! Mid-June to August is the high tourist months of Oslo but the weather can be tricky with rainfall. Those are the months where there is long hours of sunshine. Steps lead to Akershus Castle, Norsk Folkemuseum, and Viking Ships Museum.

3. Vienna, Austria
The months of July - August feel a temperature of up to 65 F; however, it can be wet and windy as well so it's advisable to bring warm clothing and umbrella if you wish to visit this place during this time. Go see the Vienna State Opera, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Clock Museum, Danube Park...

4. Zurich, Switzerland
Well, it's the land of nice chocolates and Swiss watches! The temperature is mild and averages to 65 F with long, sunny days. Places to see are the Bahnhofstrasse Street, the churches, The Old Town...and more!

5. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The weather is not as balmy as London on the summer months of July to August and temperature can go to 70 F where the tulips fields are at their peak! I love tulips!!! Great places to visit are The Van Gogh Art Museum, Anne Frank house, churches, Rembrandt Tower, The Dam, open air markets and the Madurodam which is NOT in Amsterdam but since you are there, why not check it out too?

6. Prague, The Czech Republic
Weather in Prague sees the mercury range from 54-72 F during the months of June to August. Since it lies in in the transitional area between the maritime and continental climates, it's weather is characterized by hot, rainy summers and nippy, snowy winters which may still change. Top tourist attractions are The Prague Castle district, the Old Town hall, Mozart/Music museum and more.

7. Budapest, Hungary
The summer weather can vary from 60 to 80 F with long hours of sunshine. Although weather varies as well, so it's best advise to bring warm clothing and rain gear for the surprise rainfall. The Hungarian Thermal Baths is one place to visit while in this country. Pest and Buda's Castle Hill is also an interesting place to see.

8. Reykjavik, Iceland
The temperature here rarely rises over 60 F and this is one cool place to be in if you are running away from the scorching heat. Geysir and Gulfoss waterfalls is a must to see! Check out the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) but not during the summer months. Best month to check it is from September to April.

9. Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Another great place to visit is Luxembourg. It's a small country bordering Germany, Belgium and France. The weather is at a comfortable temperature of 55-70 F. A must to see are the The Grand Ducal Palace, Moselle Valley, The Casemates, and the numerous museums around the city.

10. Helsinki, Finland
Finnish summer offers a great time for vacationers because it's not as hot as other places with the temp. ranging from 54 to 68 F from June to August. The summer is mild and warm and a nice time for hiking. Senate Square, Esplanade Park, Kaivopuisto Park, and the University Botanical Garden are places to check out!

TO CONVERT TEMPERATURES: http://www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm