Cycling has many benefits, yet in some
countries there is a decrease in the number of people using bicycles as their
main form of transportation. Why is it happening? Give suggestions how to
encourage people to use bicycles again.
Bicycles have enjoyed a dominance for over a century, but
now it seems that these simple two wheeled vehicles are losing their charisma,
as more and more people are opting for more modern options. These are some
obvious reasons for this, but people can still be encouraged to ride bicycles.
The reasons for demise of the humble two-wheeled mode of
transportation are quite predictable. Today, when faster, more efficient and
comfortable modes of transportation are available, nobody is interested in
sweating it out on the roads paddling a bicycle. When reaching offices of
places of engagement on time is a priority who would love to prioritize health.
Furthermore, riding a bike would not only need a lot of efforts but maneuvering
through traffic on this vehicle would also look quite odd, in fact bizarre and
out dated, and no one would like to be assimilated to early 20th
century humans.
Another reason that can easily be quoted here is that
bicycles are losing their shine because people have become quite competitive
and possessing a bike is no more a symbol of prosperity. The status of the
friends and relatives is more easily gauged with the kind and number of cars
and motor bikes possessed by people rather than the health a person is in.
However, a little judiciousness can help to make the old
humble bicycle popular again. Raising the price of fuel, and levying heavy
parking charges on the four wheelers and motorcycles would make travelling on
fuel propelled transport medium expensive to drive and costly to park. Declaring a car free day
may also bring in desired results.
To
conclude, the decline in popularity of bicycle although natural, its decline
can stemmed to extent by prudent planning and implementation of well thought
strategy.