In Annaka City, Gunma Prefecture, where people who have difficulty walking long distances can enjoy walking on abandoned railroad tracks, preparations are underway to introduce "carts". A demonstration experiment was conducted on the 17th.
Over 1,500 people participate annually in the 11-kilometer walk on the JR Shinetsu Line, which was discontinued 25 years ago at Usui Pass in Annaka City.
About this track, local tourism-related organizations are aiming to introduce a cart for sightseeing so that children and elderly people who have difficulty walking long distances can enjoy it, and a demonstration experiment was conducted on the 17th. rice field.
The cart is rechargeable for 4 people and can be driven for up to 9 hours.
In the experiment, we checked whether the car could maintain a speed of 8 km/h even on the steep slope of the Usui Pass, and whether the brakes could operate normally and stop safely.
According to the organization, in the future, after confirming safety by repairing the tunnel in the section of the abandoned line, we plan to move three carts within the year, aiming for practical use as soon as possible.
The mayor of Annaka City, Hitoshi Iwai, said, "Being able to ride on this is also an initiative based on universal design. I want you to experience the wonderful scenery as a facility that represents Gunma Prefecture."