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 on how to encourage people to use bicycles again.

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 on how to encourage people to use bicycles again.

Nowadays, bicycles have fallen out of favor as a major source of commuting. There are a plethora of factors amounting for; however, this trend can be reversed with effective awareness and policy-driven measures. This essay shall analyse this trend and draw a few recommendations for a plausible conclusion.

Due to the advent of motor vehicles, pedalling is deemed as merely a means of exercise as the former is far more comfortable and convenient for long-distance travel owing to the speed, reliability and a comfortable cabin, whereas the latter  affords little space for luggage, no canopy to shield against the unexpected weather changes, and unforgivingly scorching sun, and requires momentous physical efforts. Myriads of such disadvantages and the availability of other faster and comfortable commuting means led to the downfall of bicycles.

Additionally, contemporary road infrastructure heavily favors motorized transportation, and many urban areas lack dedicated cycling lanes, making riding a bicycle unsafe and stressful due to heavy traffic - constraints that discourage the use of this mode, and thus people often choose perceived safety over simplicity, thereby reducing the appeal of biking for daily commuting.

To halt this decline, cycle-friendly infrastructure should be prioritised: building protected lanes, creating secure parking areas, and embracing traffic-calming measures. When riders feel safe, participation will naturally increase. Additionally, the state and employers can also persuade the use of this vehicle: the latter can encourage bicycle use by providing facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and flexible working hours; while the former may offer financial incentives, such as tax reductions, subsidies for bicycle purchases, or bike-sharing programs. 

In conclusion, the decrease in bicycle usage stems from convenience-driven lifestyles and inadequate infrastructure. However, coordinated policy efforts, improved urban planning, and cultural encouragement, can make this humble vehicle a popular means of transportation.