Nowadays, some countries are spending a lot of money to make it easier to use bicycle. Why is this so? Is it the best solution to transport problem?
ESSAY #163 FROM OUR BOOK
It is true that many countries, such as The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Japan, Switzerland have started investing in the bicycle industry. This essay intends to analyse the reasons of this phenomenon. I believe that although it is a good solution to the traffic problem, it is not the best solution.
The main reason is that these countries realize that cycling is a clean alternative to motorbikes and cars, and so investing in facilities for cycling will help reduce congestion and pollution. Secondly cycling is cheaper and healthier than other forms of transport. Bicyclist commuters are generally healthier than those who drive motor vehicles to work. They also remain unaffected by OPEC decisions about crude oil production or the price per barrel.
Another very important reason for investing in this industry, is the potential of this industry to provide jobs. Every cycle lane which is made, and every cyclist who is created, contributes to job growth. In Europe alone, more than 6 lac people are employed in the cycling industry – more jobs than in mining and quarrying, the steel industry, and even any other automobile industry. There are more than a billion bicycles in the world, twice as many as automobiles. In recent years, bike production has climbed to over 100 million per year (compared to 50 million cars).
As far as the best solution to transport problem is concerned, cycling comes second to public transport. First, these need to be balanced by the rider in order to remain upright. Not everyone can ride one. Second, there is reduced protection in crashes, in comparison to motor vehicles. Another disadvantage is that there is longer travel time (except in densely populated areas). Cycling is also vulnerable to weather conditions. Finally, a basic level of fitness is required for cycling moderate to long distances. Public transport, on the other hand, caters to all segments of society.
To summarise, there are many motives for countries to invest in making cycling easier, which have been explained in the above paragraphs. However, cycling is not the best solution to transport problem. Investing in public transport takes the lead in this arena.
