Vehicle of the Week: food delivery bicycle

Tokyo is a place of restaurants. From the high-cost place to the lowly noodle shop, eateries are part of everyday life. But not everyone eats out; many prefer delivery. The convenient choice, home delivery offers good food in the comfort of home, with no preparation time (or skill) needed. Of course, key to high-quality restaurant food at home is the ability to get it there intact and in a hurry. This is where the delivery bicycle comes into play.

Bikes are the obvious choice for fast delivery in our neighborhood. They can avoid traffic jams, take shortcuts down tiny alleys and streets, and are the ultimate in economic efficiency. And wherever you live in Tokyo, you're never more that a quick bike trip from a number of restaurants. Perhaps the only drawback is this: how does the deliveryman carry the food as he weaves his way through traffic?

This style of delivery bike is the answer. A spacious container tray hangs suspended from a spring attachment mounted behind the rider. It can carry a surprising amount of victuals, bundled up to keep them warm. In the picture, the tray seems to be riding too high to hold much, but as items are loaded, it hangs lower and lower. As the bike swerves on its way, the tray stays level, keeping the bowls of curry or soup upright. Hats off to whoever came up with this clever device.