Creating a fun outing with young children can be a real challenge. Children generally have a high energy level, low attention span, need supervision, and cost money! Parks are popular choices for outings, but how about a park where children can learn a skill through play? Sankyozawa Bicycle Safety Park has you covered. Located right next to the Sankyozawa 100-Year Electric History Center, this mini city of roads, crosswalks, stop lights, traffic signs, and pedestrian bridges is the perfect training ground to practice bicycle riding.
Park at the free parking lot or use the Loople Sendai sightseeing bus and get off at stop #11. Friendly staff are ready to assist you. They may not speak good (or any) English, but they are very kind and will do their best to communicate. However, basically the process is self-explanatory. Young children, and only young children, can use the rental bikes on premises to practice bicycle riding and learn the traffic rules of Japan. There are various sizes and designs, with and without training wheels. The pedal cars are also very popular. If your children have their own bikes, they may use those as well.
I am sure children can spend all day here. A complete circuit of the course--assuming the rider obeys the stop signs, traffic lights, and stays on the correct side of the road!--will take children between 5-10 minutes. Then of course come the racing against parents and siblings, riding around in circles, and speed tests. Parents may be waiting a long time for their child or children to become bored. Thankfully benches and vending machines are available. There are also small play structures scattered in in the compound so riders can take a break from burning rubber. A museum and shrine literally steps away are also free. You can spend all day entertaining children and not spend a dime! There are restrooms but no food options. The closest resource is a convenience store a ten minute walk away.
The Sankyozawa Bicycle Safety Park is open every day, except Mondays, from 9:00-16:00. Closed around the New Year’s holidays. Also, keep in mind you may not be able to use the facility when large groups or organizations are using it. People just wishing to observe children having fun to relive some of their younger memories, are also welcome.
