This is the “Nishinomiya Quiz” corner, where knowing the answer proves you’re a true Nishinomiya expert.
Here’s today’s quiz↓
Q. Which district in Nishinomiya has the highest bicycle usage rate?
a. Koyoen / Uegahara
b. Kawaragi / Hinokuchi
c. Naruo-kita / Komatsu
d. Hamawaki / Nishinomiyahama
Nishitsu correct answer rate: 20%
If you haven’t seen the answer yet, give it a try♪
- 甲陽園・上ヶ原7.2%(24票)
- 瓦木・樋ノ口24.2%(81票)
- 鳴尾北・小松35.5%(119票)
- 浜脇・西宮浜33.1%(111票)
(This is probably the photo I’ve taken so far with the most bicycles in it.)
The correct answer is b, the “Kawaragi / Hinokuchi” district.
The source is the “Status of Transportation Methods to Railway Stations” section in the book “Nishinomiya City Comprehensive Transportation Strategy.”
Kawaragi / Hinokuchi Is Far Ahead
First, if you’re wondering “where exactly is the Kawaragi / Hinokuchi district?” it’s area 6 on the map below. It’s to the upper right of Nishinomiya-kitaguchi Station, around the area in front of Route 171.
*Quoted from “Nishinomiya City Comprehensive Transportation Strategy”
In the Kawaragi / Hinokuchi district, bicycles account for an overwhelming 39% of trips to the station.
Even the second-place Hamawaki / Nishinomiyahama area is at 24%, so that’s an impressive usage rate.
The reason isn’t totally clear, but one factor may be that it’s a bit too far to walk to the station. Another possible reason could be that there aren’t many buses.
Come to think of it, there was also a proposal for a new station, but I wonder what happened with that.
*Quoted from “Nishinomiya City Comprehensive Transportation Strategy”
If a new station is built, the bicycle usage rate would probably go down.
Finally
I wonder if the Kawaragi / Hinokuchi district also has a lot of bicycle shops. That’s something I’d like to look into too.
