Seeing all the folders (see earlier post) rekindled my hope that all is not lost for the bike in Taiwan. You look a bit closer and they are there...just hiding. And occasionally you see a lot of fun innovations that are uncommon (at least in the USA). Three of my favourites can be seen in the following pictures. The first (above left) shows a sort of woven/wicker child seat that has been added on. That's fun. Notice also the back wheel fender has been replaced by a flat thing that looks like a back seat.
That's because it is a back seat. This is a very common modification, and you see people riding along with a sitting passenger using this a lot. The next (right) shows the passenger system of the stand-up variety. You can buy the little foot stands for your bike, screw them onto the rear axle, and carry your friends around. Very common. (We used to do this sort of thing as kids, but I've not seen it in such a long time, and did not know there was now standard equipment you can buy for any bike!) The third (below) is my favourite, as it's just so bizarre and wonderful. It's a sort of adult bike incorporating a child's seat complete with a set of handlebars.... and why not?!
Are these (latter) common in Europe? Anywhere else? I have never, ever, seen this before. -cvj
