Are Bicycles The Future of Urban Transportation?

Genuine concerns on safety and road accessibility weren't addressed by then. However, circumstances and technology have led to a situation where cycling is now an essential mode of transport in major cities.

For instance, in Copenhagen which is considered the most bike-friendly city globally, biking is more popular than driving. Amsterdam has more bicycles than people, while Portland, Oregon has a public bike rental system that’s considered the greenest globally. Other cities are also encouraging using this mode of transport by putting up systems and infrastructures that support cycling.

Here are a few fundamental reasons why cycling is fast becoming the future of urban transport:

Congestion and traffic jams

Research indicates that, on average, a driver in a major city wastes around 54 hours in traffic every year. This is mind-blowing, considering most people use vehicles to reduce wastage of time. Studies further warn us that these figures aren’t about to reduce. If anything, they will only increase. The reason being that our cities are getting congested as more people move to urban areas, and people continue to own vehicles with car sales going up every year.

Traffic and congestion in most cities have forced authorities and commuters to look for alternatives. And cycling is starting to present a viable solution to the traffic problem. It's little wonder, therefore, the current urban planners are setting aside sufficient space for cycling.

Governments and urban authorities have also invested in campaigns encouraging people to walk or cycle to work, especially those near or within cities.

Ensuring the safety of cyclists is another measure used by governments to encourage more people to adopt cycling. Cities aren’t going to increase in space, and people won't stop moving to urban areas. Therefore, cycling will soon become a major solution to traffic jams and congestion.

Bike technology

Traditionally, cycling was a tiring and exhausting undertaking often considered by those looking to lose weight. Few people preferred cycling to work as it would leave one exhausted, sweaty, and ill-prepared for office work.

The emergence of electric bikes has therefore come as a huge relief to many cyclists. E-bike technology is quickly evolving, offering a better and safer option for cyclists. Modern e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) that help in peddling. This makes cycling less exhausting and more enjoyable. Electric bikes also offer more comfort and better navigation, which has changed commuter’s perception of bicycles.

The use of e-bikes continues to gain popularity in major cities and countries. For instance, the Netherlands- the home of cyclists recorded one e-bike purchase in every three bicycles sold last year. Of the total bicycle purchases, 40% were from people who decided to shift from driving to e-bikes. The data shows that the e-bike innovation has encouraged more people to adopt cycling as a transport mode.

Of course, with this increase in cycling comes the need for improved safety. A helmet is always advised, as well as having tools in case of an emergency like a tire inflator and a toolbox. While most cyclists don’t have specific insurance, it’s also extremely sensible to be covered under at least your home contents insurance in case you hit a parked car or something similar.

A need for cities to go green

The campaign for environmental conservation has gained pace in recent years. Major stakeholders in urban development have joined the bandwagon making carbon reduction a priority in urban centers.

Cities are now being evaluated on their capacity and vision to go green. Thus, authorities are under pressure to offer green energy solutions to attract investors.

Urban authorities are now encouraging cycling, going as far as sponsoring to buy e-bikes for commuters to reduce carbon emissions. With time, people have continued to adopt environmentally friendly solutions such as cycling, making it popular among commuters.

Need to adopt healthy living

According to statistics, by the end of 2020, around 83% and 72% of men and women respectively will be obese. The majority of overweight cases are recorded in urban areas where spaces to exercise are also becoming more and more limited.

Urban dwellers are often urged to find ways and time to exercise daily to reduce their weight gain. Biking has become a viable solution because it allows people to keep fit while keeping to their daily schedule. Cycling is also a mind-clearing activity that reduces the chances of mental illness among urban dwellers.

With the rising obesity and mental illness cases, cycling has become a game-changer for those determined to practice healthy living. Therefore, cycling will continue to gain popularity even as more people come into terms with existing lifestyle conditions and diseases.