We're only kidding ourselves if we truly believe that cycling as it exists today is going to have a major impact on climate change. Sure, we might encourage more people to ride. Sure, we might see a small percentage of commuters stop driving to work. Sure, we might get a few more bike lanes or even protected bike lanes. Sure, we might build a few more off-road bike paths and even network them together. It's all good. It's also inadequate. As the saying goes, you can't get there from here.
If we're really going to pry people out of their cars, at least for some of their miles, we're going to need radical changes. We need to find honest answers to the question: "Why won't they cycle?" Let's explore some of the most common responses. Cars are convenient and comfortable. By just turning the key, we can go as fast as we want and as far as we want. We can lug home bundles from the grocery store. We can pack whole families into our suburban assault vehicles. We can be hot, cold or anything in between. We have on-board tunes, videos, phones and even live TV. And, of course, we can drive whether it's light out or dark.
Well, with all that, why would anyone want to risk life and limb riding a bicycle? Yeah, there are always a few nuts out there cycling in traffic, bad weather or at night but, let's get real, they are in the minority and they always will be. That is, of course, unless some huge changes can be made.
Is it really possible that cycling could reduce auto miles by 50 percent or maybe even more? Wishing and hoping and making the kinds of changes most cycling advocates are pushing for, although worthwhile, will never get the job done. These efforts, to be sure, can clearly make cycling safer and more enjoyable for those who do ride today. But, to effect the radical changes we need, no way!
Okay, so, how do we get there from here? What would it really take? Here are a few thoughts on the matter. Hopefully you can add to the list.
Starting with the basics, safety, comfort and convenience have to top the list. While many cyclists feel comfortable riding alongside cars, most people do not. If we want "the masses" to cycle, we need "separation". This doesn't mean that today's road warriors should be barred from using the roads but it acknowledges that changes to the infrastructure have to happen if cycling for the masses is going to succeed. Of course, "separation" is easier said than done. Many roadways are already too narrow to build in meaningful separation. On many roads, there really isn't even room for bike lanes.
Proposal #1 is to create bicycle boulevards on a few select roads. Think of a tic-tac-toe pattern of "bikes only" roads in every community. I can hear the "no way would that work" already. How would people who live on those roads even get to their houses and what would that do to businesses located on these roads? Change is never easy. Instead of explaining why it wouldn't work, think about what could be done to make it work. Suppose, for example, that the speed limit for cars on those roads were limited to 10 mph and that cars could only travel very short distances on these roads before they were detoured onto other roads. Are there problems with this? Sure. Solve them. With "bikes only" roads, we'll be a whole lot closer to solving the most feared safety problem.
Proposal #2 addresses the comfort and convenience aspects of the problem. These changes are already underway as e-bikes grow in popularity. Cycling advocates, at least those who recognize the critical necessity of promoting cycling for the masses, should embrace e-bike technology. We're still free to pedal the bikes we have but we should not take an elitist view of cycling. To put cycling within reach of most people, a little help from a battery is just what the doctor ordered. With adequate battery support, problems like range, speed and power are no longer serious obstacles for most people.
Proposal #3 takes comfort and convenience a big step further. Check out this link:
5 Examples Of Enclosed Bike Designs That Are Taking Over The Roads CONTEMPORIST. Redesigning bicycles such that they offer some of the same benefits cars offer is the third missing link in the chain. With an enclosed bicycle, especially if the enclosure could be easily removed during good weather and even used generically with any bike, concerns about rain and snow and cold temperatures could be eliminated. Our bicycles could now be heated. In cold climates, even most hardcore cyclists are not out riding when temperatures get too low. Enclosed bicycles could change that. And, of course, these enclosures could be designed to carry an additional passenger or two and maybe a few groceries. As for creature comforts like music, phone and more, no problem.
Proposal #4 recognizes that there are limits to the distances people will be willing to travel on a pedal-powered vehicle even if it's equipped with a battery. We need much better integration between the bicycle boulevards discussed above and mass transit. What would it take to encourage commuters to use their bikes to get to a train station or a bus station? How about unlimited, free, secure parking? How about huge discounts on the bus or train if you get to the station by bike? How about simply improving mass transit itself? Most of the mass transit in my area doesn't get you where you need to go.
All sorts of other activities will be needed if we are going to make eco-cycling a reality. We need much more planning, much more driver and cyclist education and much more marketing to make the public aware of why these changes are so desperately needed. The cycling advocacy community has understandably focused on issues that affect today's riders but it's time we broadened the vision to bring cycling to the masses. The sooner we get started on these radical changes, the better off we'll be.