Things I Hate About Taiwan #2: Un-oiled bikes
I don’t know what it is about senior citizens here, but they simply refuse to oil their bikes. I’m guessing that they have to leave their bikes outside and they rust up. I ride frequently around Taipei and at least once every time, an oldie will come screeching to the corner I’m at, raising the hair on the back of my neck and damaging my already-damaged hearing.
I agree. Screeching bikes bother me too. To me, this epitomizes culture shock and cognitive dissonance. Culture shock – it is all about the little things – why do the same seniors who dumpster dive and scavenge for recyclables then NOT spend a few NT$ a year to oil their bikes? Their bikes would last longer this way. Cognitive dissonance – I guess I just explained that – ultra-frugal consumers who don’t bother to upkeep their vehicles.
Hi
I felt the same about the un-oiled bike. I studied middle school in Taipei and every morning at the same time there was always an old man riding his bike with the scratching sound which drove all of the students crazy…
those old men just stubborn ..