How does the external environment effect cyclists?
 

Hey:) I hope im not out of line here but im a marketing student at TAFE and I need to report on the external environment and how these forces are effecting cyclists. I know nothing about cycling and really hope some of you may be able to give me some information.


How economic forces have an impact on cyclists.

(So far ive mentioned petrol prices going up, which means more people are looking for alternatives for tranport and may turn to cycling)

How political-legal forces have an impact on cyclists.

(So far ive talked about road rules and safety equipment that must be worn)

How technological forces have an impact on cyclists.

(I'm stuck on this one and dont know what to write)


If anyone could give me any ideas that would be extremely appreciated.

Thanks so much in advance:)

As a student, first learn the difference between effect and affect. :)

to better understand technology I would take a close look at what is available on a commuter bike from 20 years ago and what is on a commuter bike now.

talk to a bike mechanic who looks like he is at least your parents age.

how has the gearing changed, how has the tires changed, how has the metal in frames changed, how has lighting changed.

The pseudo-philosophical wrangling gets deep, wear boots and check in with your parents.

OTF (Out There Flappin) syndrome, probably due, uh, now?

I would propose that cyclists are somewhat insulated from economic cycles concerning transportation but still subject to fluctuations in terms of the general economy: most products are made or transported by oil based products.

Cars impact cyclists, at an unacceptable injury rate.
http://www.aafp.org/afp/990800ap/524.html
Most Americans will be involved in a motor vehicle accident in their lifetime, and one quarter of the population will be involved in accidents that result in serious injuries.1 Annually, more than 3.5 million persons in the United States are injured in a motor vehicle accident, and nearly 42,000 die as a result of their injuries.
Why don't automobile drivers wear helmets? (legal) If helmets save lifes, lets do more.

Read this
http://www.nccnsw.org.au/member/cmas..._AND_BEHAVIOUR
and notice some things that seem ahhh disconnected.
/*from the site
NRMA's 1996 Monitor of Public Attitudes, a survey of the Greater Sydney residents, found 56% of people would alter the frequency of their car use if cycling and walking facilities were improved.
and
In 1946, 87% of all journeys in Sydney were by public transport, especially trams.
/*

If 56% of people want something whats the problem? (politics)

Technological advances for cyclist's, result in consumer driven demand for specialty bikes. An example would be Lance Armstrongs carbon bike: It's always a best seller. Cheaper production methods (machines) and outsourcing (information technology) result in the $59 bike at Wal-mart.

We are all students, the difference is teachers.

Support from the government for cyclists in building bike lanes on roads is critical to biking being a viable transport. E.g. go to a country that doesn't have bike lanes, and you'll know why there are barely any cyclists on the roads.

Sorry haven't been to China or India but just wondering if their governments have created bike lanes? I believe a large number of people commute on bicycles there.

Chinese roads are becoming less bicycle friendly as part of the population is starting to become car crazy. I've read articles that have described how bicycles are being banned from some major roads, so that the roads can be motor-vehicle-centric. (Forecasts suggest that Chinese oil consumption will surpass American oil consumption, which is a pretty staggering amount of oil. So this means that we may be in the post-oil-economy sooner than we had originally expected.)

In the early days of the automobile in parts of the US, it was fashionable for women to dab a small amount of gasoline behind their ear like perfume, since cars were considered fashionable or stylish. (Source: the history book 'Challenging Chicago'.) While I haven't heard of the Chinese using gasoline as perfume, there does seem to be parallels between the early car craze in America and the current car craze in China.

dear oh dear how very sad.
Here in Kyoto there doesn't appear to be any bike lanes on roads but there are many designated lanes on the footpath areas. If you ride on the road the drivers seem a little more understanding / friendly to what I was use to in Australia (on the Gold Coast in particular). If you are on a footpath with no bike lane here you just ring your bell as you approach so you don't startle anyone as you ride past. The use of a bell here isn't concidered "offensive".
Steve.