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Bicycle for Everyone's Earth Tour 2006
 The Bicycle for Everyone's Earth (BEE) group buzzed through in 2005 on
their annual pedal-powered trip across Japan and we joined them for a cycle ride from the A-bomb dome in Peace
Park to Miyajima island for a beach clean-up together. This year's ride has already begun and they'll be back
in Hiroshima next month. Read on for details as to how the ride is going, what they'll be up to while their in
Hiroshima, and how you can get involved.
What is the BEE group all about?
From the BEE website:
BEE Japan (Bicycle for Everyone's Earth) is a group of international members that promotes environmental awareness and green living in Japan.
Our main event is the annual 2-3 month BEE ride, begining in August, from the northern most island of Japan to the southern most.
The BEE ride uses both direct action and environmental education.
Our direct action includes:
- Travelling the length of Japan exclusively by bicycle
- Eating low on the food chain (vegetarian)
- Choosing organic products whenever possible
- Choosing fair trade products whenever possible
- Supporting local economies by buying local produce
- Avoiding chain stores and convenience stores, and using no vending machines.
- Minimizing waste by choosing less packaged products, buying reusable, recycled and
recyclable items, and using no waribashi or other disposable eating utensils.
Our educational activities are carried out at schools, English discussion circles (eikaiwa),
and with international groups.
These contribute to a deep awareness, in both children and adults, of the extent to which our daily lives effect the ecosystems in which we live.
Many topics are covered, but the focus is on bio-interconnectivity, forest destruction, over consumption, and renewable energy sources (human, wind, and
solar).
The 2006 ride
This year's ride started in Wakkanai, Hokkaido on July 29 and they are now making their way down through the island chain
until they finish in Naha, Okinawa on October 14. Along the way they plan to make stops in stops Wakkanai, Sapporo, Aomori,
Nigata,
Nagano, Tokyo, Kamakura, Yamanashi, Fujieda, Hamamatsu, Chikuma, Ueda, Usuda, Saku, Toyama, Ishikawa, Kyoto, Osaka, Okayama,
Ehime, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Saga,
Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Okinawa.
BEE in Hiroshima
- GetHiroshima Festival (Sunday, September 24)
This year, we will be hosting a GetHiroshima Festival in
Alice Garden behind PARCO Department store in the center of downtown Hiroshima
inspired by the BEE group's visit.
We want to use this opportunity to promote local groups and organizations that are making Hiroshima a better place.
In addition to the BEE group being there, we will also have live music and djs, stalls and booths featuring everything from
local soccer and running clubs in Hiroshima to local, organic
grocery stores, massage and reflexology, local artists and more. See more information soon in the Events section.
The BEE riders will be our guests of honor there to talk about their tour of Japan as well as offer information and tips for
anyone
interested in touring around Japan or who needs some advice fixing up a bicycle.
- Promote Clean Living in Hiroshima (Monday, September 25)
Cyclists of all levels welcome to join us! Let's meet
in front of the A-bomb dome at 9am for a ride to Miyajima island together. Once we reach the port, we will
take the ferry over to the island and the do an hour of beach clean-up at the drifting garbage magnet,
Tsutsumigaura beach.
We will then celebrate our hard work with a delicious Okonomiyaki meal from a shop along the Miyajima Hondori.
This is a great opportunity to show you care about the environment and help make a dent in the garbage problem
on Hiroshima's beaches.
Reminder- if you want to cycle to Miyajima and get the train or tram back to town, you will need
a bike bag that completely encases the bike. Otherwise you will not be allowed
through the station turnstile or on the train.
Want to ride? BEE is looking for riders for 2007!
Want to host an event or help out in some other way? We are looking for
volunteers to help with events and host the team in their towns along the route.
And of course, solidarity riders are always welcome!
2006 BEE Tour Publicity in the Daily Yomiuri 8/23 in English and Japanese linked to in the GetHiroshima Blog.
BEE group sponsors - environmentally aware companies in Japan and internationally that support eco-friendly sport and help
promote clean living.
JJ
August 2006
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