Discussions

Are you a bicyclist?

Posted by timethief • 5/12/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: bicycling, conscious living, transportation

Bicycles pedalling into the spotlight by J. Matthew Roney

The world produced an estimated 130 million bicycles in 2007 -- more than twice the 52 million cars produced. Bicycle and car production tracked each other closely in the mid-to-late 1960s, but bike output separated sharply from that of cars in 1970, beginning its steep climb to 105 million in 1988. Following a slowdown between 1989 and 2001, bike production has regained steam, increasing in each of the last six years. Much of the recent growth has been driven by the rise in electric, or “e-bike” production, which has doubled since 2004 to 21 million units in 2007. Overall, since 1970, bicycle output has nearly quadrupled, while car production has roughly doubled.

Promoting the bike as a clean and efficient alternative to the personal automobile is a practical way for cities to reduce traffic congestion and smog. To simultaneously confront those problems as well as climate change and an emerging obesity epidemic, government leaders and advocacy groups are working to bring cycling back to prominence in the urban transport mix.

A number of European cities have set the standard for bicycle use and promotion, via pro-bike transportation and land use policies, as well as heavy funding for bicycle infrastructure and public education. In Copenhagen, for example, 36 percent of commuters bike to work...

For entire text see www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/Bike/2008.htm
For data see www.earthpolicy.org/Indicators/Bike/2008_data.htm

Do you ride a bicycle to work or for reasons other than for pleasure riding?

Would you support your town or city setting standards for bicycle use and promotion, via pro-bike transportation and land use policies, as well as heavy funding for bicycle infrastructure and public education?

User Comments

5/12/08

crkian

I cant drive so I have to use a bike

[reply]
1. 5/12/08
  
  timethief
  
  @crkian
  Ahem ... you haven't answered the second question up there.
5/12/08

Anok

I ride my bike! I got it all fixed this winter, got the kid seat on the back, and we've been riding as much as we can instead of driving. Things like going to the grocery store are still out of reach for me. It's too far ( for now) and with a kid on the back, plus bags of food to balance, I don't know how well I'd do.

Other than that though, yup, I'm riding!

[reply]
1. 5/12/08
  
  timethief
  
  @Anok
  My girlfriends have baskets for groceries on the front of their bikes so maybe that would work for you.
  
  Ahem ... you haven't answered the second question up there.
2. 5/12/08
  
  Anok
  
  I have enough trouble balancing the kid right now LOL!
  
  I'll have to get used to riding with a passenger first, I'm starting to, but it does make a big difference! Then I can start adding more balance effecting stuff
5/12/08

BennyGreenberg

My Bike is stationary - does that count?

[reply]
1. 5/12/08
  
  timethief
  
  @Ben
  lol No it does not count in a transportation sense but it sure does in an exercise sense.
  
  Ahem ... you haven't answered the second question up there.
5/12/08

AmyOops

So Funny you metioned it.

I just opened a bike blog libertybikesandboards.blogspot.com/

its also promoting my bike and skateboard store.

[reply]
1. 5/12/08
  
  timethief
  
  That's a cool new blog Amy. Best wishes for success with it.
5/12/08

timethief

@crkian
We're opposites. I cannot risk riding a 2 wheel bike now and I can no longer risk riding horseback either in case I fall and suffer even worse damage ... HUGE SIGH ... so, I either walk or drive these days. But, I have seen some really cool tricycles for adults with lots of space for groceries that are very appealing. www.waltscycle.com/trikes.htm

[reply]
1. 5/12/08
  
  crkian
  
  yeah the kids want one of those pull along trailers so they can all go out with the bike at the same time.
5/12/08

Anok

OH, I would totally support my city if they decided to put in better bike lanes and stuff! Right now there is little in the way of safe travel for bicyclists, save for a few roads or neighborhoods.

Yeah, I want bike lanes!

[reply]
5/12/08

timethief

@crkian
I tried an adult tricycle out and it was so cool. It was very stable and would not overbalance easily. It was geared and that was a big plus. The tires were like mountain bike tires suited for the country, gravel, dirt and broken pavement. It had the big basket space that you can see in the photo where I could carry stuff behind and it also had a small front basket. I loved it.

[reply]
5/12/08

wehireu

I think it is too unsafe to ride a bicycle around where I am. I like to walk or take the train however. I would support them putting in bike lanes. However, where I am the streets are very narrow.

[reply]
5/12/08

stilesjp

I ride my bike because I've never had a license (lived in NYC until just recently). Yes, I would support my city with bicycle promotions. There's a great trail here, the Pinellas Trail, nice to ride back and forth to work. Makes dodging cars less of a worry.

My favorite thing in the world to do while living in NY was riding my bike in the city with my ipod. Nothing was as liberating.

[reply]
5/12/08

globalgirl

It's funny that you started this thread as I am currently in the market for a bike to use for errands like grocery shopping. My brother just told me about this great company called xtracycle.com/ and they make these awesome sports utility bikes perfect for riding long and short distances with multiple items, including grocery bags, surf boards, etc.

I'd definitely support local government funding to establish bike roads and the infrastructure to support cyclists.

Exercise + clean air = happy body & heart (as well as a greener earth)!

[reply]
5/12/08

clioandme

In Germany I ride a bike, because there are decent bicycle paths, and when I'm in traffic, automobile drivers and cyclists alike obey traffic rules reasonably well. In Washington, DC, on the other hand, it's anything goes, so I prefer the bus, metro, and walking. Sometimes I get it into my head that I should try here though. DC has some lanes, but of course delivery vehicles park in them. And no self-respecting driver looks behind him to make a right-hand turn, which can be downright dangerous for the cyclist.

A lot of people here ride, though. All Metro busses have a bicycle rack on the front too that holds two bikes, and I often see one on it in the evening. I also sometimes see bikes on the Metro (subway), but they're only allowed on when it's not rush hour.

[reply]
5/12/08

mommatalks

I used to ride alot, but I usually walk now. I would like to get back into it. Goodness knows that I could use the exercise.

And yes, I would definately support my town. I would feel safer if my kids had bike paths to ride on and I think that it would encourage more people to ride.

[reply]
5/12/08

Theresa111

Little Red Dog!

[reply]