Cycling is popular in Tokyo. Both pedestrians and cyclists share the broad sidewalks. However, I felt that the cyclists go quite fast, and any collision with them will result in a nasty accident.

There are bicycle parks all over Tokyo. Those who park indiscriminataely risk having their bikes impounded, and a fine will have to be paid to have your bike released.

Patuxai, Vientiane, Laos

Patuxai or Victory Gate

If you have been to Paris, you'll certainly exclaim "Hey, this looks like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris!" But the embellishments on the monument are Buddhist.

Climb up seven storeys, and like the locals here you'll be rewarded with a bird's eye view of Vientiane. The other levels are chockful with souvenir stalls. The monument is popular with the locals, and I could see that they found it very impressive and awe-inspiring.

A bird's eye view of Vientiane. Impressive boulevard reminds you of Paris as well. I had no problem cycling around in exploring the city as traffic was light and the roads flat.

Cycling to Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cycling to Angkor Wat gave me the rare opportunity of observing the Cambodian way of life. I was quite nervous about taking this shot of these two Cambodian cops, fearing I might be sent to the killing fields. Here they were simply gazing at the river and gossiping.

Cambodian kids tried to sell bananas to passers-by on the road to Angkor Wat. No, not for you but for...

your long-lost cousins. At the sight of monkeys people always get excited. Perhaps, this has something to do with the fact that monkeys remind them of their ancestral roots. To demonstrate my empathy with them, the monkeys I mean, I bought a bunch of bananas. NO, not to feed them but to feed myself since after all that cycling I needed the carbo!

Road to Angkor Part 1, Siem Reap, Cambodia

I cycled on this lonely road to Angkor Wat, 5.5 km from town.

There are three ways to get to Angkor Wat  5.5 km from town.

Tuk-tuks in town

The most popular way is by tuk-tuk. I was the only crazy foreigner cycling to Angkor Wat. Westerners in tuk-tuks gave me pitiful looks as they roared past me, leaving me behind in a cloud of dust and exhaust fumes.#*!@

Barely 12 years old, and already a seasoned rider.

Or rent a motor-bike.

Hey, that's not me!

The best way in my view is to rent a bicycle for about US$3 a day. It was slow but it gave me the opportunity to observe the places and the Cambodians at close quarters. Besides, it was excellent exercise for me. Pay less, see more!

Singapore Green Transport Week

Green Transport Week kicks off tomorrow with a mass cycling event from three points, converging at SMU for a concert.

Register for the event at Green Transport Week website (just Google it). Info on starting points also available here.

Even those with foldable bikes are welcome.

See you there.