Transport trends
All over the world people are finding more sustainable ways to get from A to B using bicycles. Here are some examples you might be interested to read about - tell us if you have a favourite to include.
Call for acknowledgement of cycling as a way to tackle climate change
May 07
The European Cyclists Federation held its Annual General meeting in May 07 and has extended a plea for people to work with them to realise the potential of sustainable transport.
The assembly, 51 delegates from 28 organizations and from 23 countries approved and signed the 'ECF Declaration of Berne: addressing the climate change'.
The declaration states “We call on all politicians and officials now to recognise the important contribution that cycling can, and must, make in tackling climate change. Please work with us to realise that potential and to guarantee a better quality of life now and in the future.”
Pedal Power
Steven sent this link from The Times for an article which suggests that road proceeds should be reinvested into cycling promotion – what a brilliant idea. The article, which is triggered by the launch of the extended congestion charge zone in London last week, noted in passing the dramatic increase in cyclists that the capital has seen. In the past five years, the number of people cycling in London has risen by almost 50 per cent. It says “These people are not the mad, bearded loons of popular myth, their coat-tails flapping crazily as they pedal round the Elephant and Castle. The modern cyclist is making an elegant and intelligent response to pollution and traffic congestion” as more than half of all car journeys in London cover distances of less than two miles.
Colorado 2004 survey of bikes on buses
According to a recent bike-on-bus study, bike boardings on Denver metro RTD buses increased 70% between 2000 and 2004. Many passengers combine buses and bicycling for convenience or for exercise, but as gas prices continue to soar there will be an even greater economic incentive further motivating passengers to bike-n-bus.
Some of the key findings of this study include:
- RTD serves about 545,000 - 565,000 weekday bike-on-bus boardings per year (does not include weekend boardings nor those who bring bikes on light rail trains)
- Bikes are brought onto regional routes more often than local routes (as a % of boardings)
- Bike boardings throughout the region have risen 70% between the years 2000 to 2004
- Bus bike racks are full about 105,000 times per year
View the report 30kb pdf
For more see Bicycle Colorado
Did you know we have bikes on buses in Australia? Read about Bike 'n Ride in Canberra
Cycling facts
The statements below are compiled from the clever new Cycling Issues Sheets available on the cycling promotion web site.
35 – 44 years old have the highest participation rate in cycling (approx 15%), closely followed by the 25 – 34 age group.
The approximate proportion of trips made by bicycle: 25% in the Netherlands, 10% in Germany, 0.5% in Australia
If trips by foot and bicycle are taken together, the figures are: 40% in the Netherlands and Germany, 5.5% in Australia
35% of Sydney fathers spend more time stuck in traffic than they do with their children
In Melbourne, the average speed of a commuting car is 19.7 km/h, compared to an average cycling speed of 17 km/h
The RAC of Queensland and the NRMA estimate the average yearly cost of car ownership at between $5000 and $15000, with the average household spending between 15 – 20% of net income directly on transport. (How much does it cost to run your cycle???)
The more cyclists on the road, the safer the road becomes
A Danish study assessing the health of 30000 people over a 14 year period finds that cycling to work lowers the risk of death by 40%
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See the case for separated bike lanes in New York (video)
Sustainable Transport Coalition has seminars, policies and news.
See also Related links page for some great cycling strategy sites
See the web gallery for some weird and wonderful ways of cycling
See Alternative Transport's (NY) comprehensive articles about reducing car dependence
See the UK version of our Good ideas pages
Here are some Victorian 'Good ideas'
Cycling Strategies
Australia - National
WA | South Australia | Queensland | ACT
Sydney
UK
Cycling trends and policies in Canadian Cities 250kb pdf |
