Bicycles are the most popular mode of transport in cities. It is an excellent alternative to motorbikes as it is environmentally friendly, cheap and healthy.
In some countries, motorbikes have replaced bicycles as a mode of transport. However, in many other countries like India and China, bicycles still dominate the urban landscape.
Eco- Friendly
Bicycles are environmentally friendly, so they produce less noise and pollution.
They also allow for much more physical activity than sitting in a car or bus all day.
Bikes are not only good for health but also good for the environment, which is something that not to overlook when considering transportation options.
A bicycle requires less maintenance than a motorbike and does not emit harmful gases like carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide.
There are many health benefits associated with cycling, such as improved cardiovascular health, weight loss and muscle strengthening; whereas there are no such benefits for those riding on motorbikes.
Low Maintenance
It also does not require an expensive license or registration fee, which makes it cheaper than a motorbike in most cases.
There are several reasons cycling is eco-friendlier than driving a car or bus. These reasons include: less wear and tear on roads because bikes take up less space on the road; less fuel consumption, which reduces pollution; no need for expensive parking space because bikes can be parked anywhere; cyclists are more aware about what they are doing.
Cyclists avoid traffic and smog by biking. Some cyclists also feel safer on a bike because it does not confine them in a car. Biking is more economical than owning a car or using public transportation.
Cycling is also becoming more mainstream among the working class, which is making commuting without a car easier and more affordable for many people.
Surge in cycling post Covid
Using bicycles is increasing in many parts of the world. People are using them for their daily commute, school children are taking them to school and people are using them to take care of their health. The numbers show that in many countries, for instance in China, bicycle sales have increased by over 50% in the last few years. This increase is due to people being more aware of the negative side effects on our environment caused by automobiles.
The number of bike-share bikes has seen a surge as well. In NYC alone, there are about 17 different bike-share programs and over 10 million bikes on the street. It has largely attributed this to the ease and convenience that comes with bike-sharing.
All places of tourist interest, with an enormous expanse, such as archaeological sites, zoos, botanical gardens, forts, should offer bicycle rentals. Biking will be more popular and give people an easier way to explore the area.
As a part of Smart Cities Mission, the government had launched the India Cycles4Change Challenge last year, which aims to inspire cities to implement cycling-friendly initiatives such as dedicated cycle lanes. During the lockdown last year, many European cities built bicycle lanes and are keeping them. This needs to be done in India.