Bicycle riding as daily transportation
This blog promotes bicycle riding for daily transportation, and addresses various aspects of bicycling such as safety and infrastructure.
Riding a bicycle, if age and health permits, can be a practical and healthy way to get around the neighborhood, to the grocery store, and even to school and work. You get some exercise and improve your health.
In many places it is common to use a bicycle every day to get around town. In the Netherlands we grow up riding a bike to school. Many Dutch keep riding their entire life. This is not about riding in a fancy outfit, or on expensive gear, nor about competitive riding. All you need to get around is a simple bike with good lights, a raincoat when it rains, and warm clothing when it is cold.
While a motor vehicle is great for covering longer distances and going places you cannot reach otherwise, using a bicycle for city transportation makes a lot of sense. You are taking up less space on the roads and while parked, and there is no burning of fuel – which means no emissions of climate-heating greenhouse gases and no noise pollution. At the same time you will be outside, breathe fresh air, enjoy the outdoors, and get exercise.
Leaving the car at home more often, using it when it is needed to take others along or to haul heavier loads, will make it last longer and generate savings on gas and maintenance.
When cities are spread out, it can be more challenging to get riding. But with improvements to infrastructure and legislation, U.S. cities can be made more welcoming for residents and visitors, and enhance their quality of life.