The 'Comeback' of Cycling
by on October 1, 2008
I find it funny when I hear about the ‘comeback’ of cycling in many cities in the west. Groups such as Critical Mass vie for people’s attention at their controversy-ridden monthly rides. The fact is that many people would laugh at the idea of bringing people ‘back’ to cycling.
“When did we ever leave it?” they might ask.
After all, more people commute to work on bicycles than by any other means of transport. Sure, cities in developed countries have moved on almost entirely to cars. But in many more countries such as the Netherlands, China and India bicycle bells continue to chime in a sweet cacophony every morning as millions of riders throng the roads on their way to work, and again in the evenings when they return back home.
We do have our share of progressive middle-class populace who equate growth with more comfort (obviously) and an upgrade from their motorbikes to cars to bigger cars and still bigger cars. To those I say – relax. Your motorbike is fine. Leave it as it is. If you have already purchased a car, that too is fine. May you use it for many years. But please, do not kill yourselves a slow death by a compulsive addiction to the motor vehicle. Any distance less than 10 kilometres can easily be done by bicycle, and often in the same amount of time, given the traffic scenario on many busy roads.
And for the multitudes who equate their daily commute with a gruelling ride in our tearing-apart-at-the-seams-full public transport systems – put away your masks of indomitable spirits and lying that you actually enjoy the camaraderie with your loudmouthed co-passengers. You do not. Throw away your passes and tickets, and instead of a sweaty armpit, breathe in some fresh air. Look at the open sky above you. Hone your dexterity by nimbly squeezing your bike between an oddly parked car, a motorbike and numerous pedestrians as you leave the bus you used to ride far behind in the traffic. Be different from the pack. Ride a bicycle to work.
Given the congestion on our roads, high fuel and maintenance costs and overcrowded public transport systems, how can cycling not be better?