Everyone Wins
The last days of the fifty pound bicycle
A European study claims that every bicycle used on public roads weighs in at almost exactly 50 pounds. The elaborate math employed to prove the point can be condensed into the thesis that a state-of-the-art bicycle with an empty weight of 20 pounds or less will require at least 30 pounds worth of chains, cables and locks to secure it when left alone. A more conservative 30 pound steed will require 20 pounds of security items while a 50 pound bicycle can do without additional security because no one in their right mind would consider stealing it.
But seriously, almost anyone who commutes daily on their bicycle will testify that the old ‘beater’ they are riding through the streets is not their ‘real’ bicycle, and many of them will happily swoon over the latest and greatest road, mountain or cruiser bicycle that waits patiently in their garage or living room to be taken out for pleasure rides on weekends only.
Why would this be of concern to anyone other than the owner? Well for one, old abused bicycles are not the safest mode of transportation with their worn out breaks and tires, poor lighting and questionable road handling qualities. At the same time the chaos of rust-red and chipped paint found at most commuter parking spots is an eyesore to say the least.
Giving riders the opportunity to park their bicycles neatly in a secure space will encourage riders to utilize more up-to-date vehicles which will benefit everyone on the road in addition to increasing the pure enjoyment of the ride.
Less Red gives more Green
How many cars less in front of you does it take to make the ‘green’ at the next traffic light? Every bicycle on the road is one less car in front of you. We are certain that it would only take a relatively minute number of people to switch from cars to bicycles as their regular choice for short distance transportation to result in a significant improvement of traffic flow, especially at rush hour. Blood pressure and nerve tension subsides, gasoline is utilized more efficiently, smog and noise pollution are reduced. These and many more immediate personal, communal and global benefits can be attributed to the shift from motorized to bicycle transportation in our cities.
The cheapest health assurance around
Speaking of personal benefits, everyone would love the air to be cleaner in metropolitan areas. What about a set of lungs that let you thoroughly enjoy that cleaner air. Regular steady exercise is the recommended way to keep civilization ailments at bay. Hardly any other activity fulfills this goal with the same enjoyment and utility as does bicycling for sport or transportation.
All the benefits from bicycles comes from riding them. Riding bicycles in cities and towns for transportation is enabled and promoted by offering effective bicycle parking. That’s where VeloParc comes into play. Everyone wins.
