Philip
Speeding Up
- Feb 15, 2007
- 765
- 11
According to a number of newspaper and magazine articles, cycling as a means of mainstream transportation is in resurgence in the UK. This is not a BMX or 'being-a-messenger' fashion. It is well heeled professionals who have sold their cars and bought bicycles.
The freedom and convenience of cycling is more meaningful in the lives of todays '40 somethings'. These people no longer aspire to own a family car with a prestige badge. Cars are perceived as a poor investment and unfriendly to the environment. Hiring a car only when you need one is practical, cost effective, common sense.
But it is much more than a purely financial or environmental decision. People are rejecting consumerism (and its very ugly sister 'celebrity'). Life cannot be bought, it must be lived. And riding a bicycle is one way in which people are doing just that. I still have great memories of adventures whilst riding my bike to and from school everyday.
With the resurgence of cycling in the UK, the govenment now gives a large tax break on the purchase of a bicycle that will be used for commuting and employers are being encouraged to provide facilities for cyclists. Given these incentives and positive publicity cycling is growing rapidly in other social groups.
This is a link to an interesting video talking about the changed image of cycling in the UK, and its increased relevance in mainstream transport now.
http://quickrelease.tv/?p=43
Cheers,
Philip
The freedom and convenience of cycling is more meaningful in the lives of todays '40 somethings'. These people no longer aspire to own a family car with a prestige badge. Cars are perceived as a poor investment and unfriendly to the environment. Hiring a car only when you need one is practical, cost effective, common sense.
But it is much more than a purely financial or environmental decision. People are rejecting consumerism (and its very ugly sister 'celebrity'). Life cannot be bought, it must be lived. And riding a bicycle is one way in which people are doing just that. I still have great memories of adventures whilst riding my bike to and from school everyday.
With the resurgence of cycling in the UK, the govenment now gives a large tax break on the purchase of a bicycle that will be used for commuting and employers are being encouraged to provide facilities for cyclists. Given these incentives and positive publicity cycling is growing rapidly in other social groups.
This is a link to an interesting video talking about the changed image of cycling in the UK, and its increased relevance in mainstream transport now.
http://quickrelease.tv/?p=43
Cheers,
Philip