It seems that the bicycle is experiencing a new boom, a new golden age, especially since the pandemic. Motivated by several factors, we could summarize them as: greater general ecological awareness, sustainable and healthy urban mobility needs, increased restrictions on motor vehicles in urban centers and the increase in the price of fossil fuels. Compared to a car, the bicycle is much more effective, ecological and economical (but we will talk about this in another article).
Index
The electric bicycle is positioned as the preferred electric vehicle by Spaniards, according to the AMBE study
If we go back in time, we will know that the bicycle was conceived as a means of transport, rather than for walking, having fun or as a sport.
In Spain, bicycles are used more for leisure or sports, but more and more people are using bicycles as their daily means of transport. In contrast, in most regions of Europe its use is very common and mainstream. Countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands or Belgium have the bicycle as a vehicle to get around. In Asia, especially in China and India, it is the preferred medium.
Currently, the use of bicycles as a means of transport is gaining more followers around the world due to its benefits for both personal health and the environment. This statement is confirmed by the 2022 bicycle sector report by the Association of Brands and Bicycles of Spain, which highlights the large increase in sales of urban bicycles and electric bicycles, with an increase of 5.7% compared to 2021.
The bicycle as a means of transport: advantages and disadvantages
Below, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of using the bicycle as an effective alternative to move around the city. From its impact on the environment to its health benefits, you’ll discover why cycling deserves a place in our lives.
Advantages
It does not pollute. No CO₂ emissions
Today’s world is desperately looking for ways to reduce the carbon footprint. The emission of gases by cars and other vehicles has become the main problem of the world’s cities. This is where the bike shines with its own light. By choosing the bicycle instead of the car, you are contributing to the improvement of the environment. It does not emit harmful gases or contribute to traffic congestion. Every pedal stroke is a step towards a cleaner, healthier planet.
Cycling encourages respect for the environment at all times.
No parking problems
One of the most prominent advantages of the bicycle as a means of transport is that you will never have to worry about finding a place to park.
Bye bye garage or parking!
How many times have you ridden a car and taken longer to park than to drive? Unlike cars, which often face the frustration of looking for parking, with a bike you can get to your destination and simply secure it with a lock, or if you have a folding bike like the Ossby GEO you take it with you (much safer). Not only do you avoid the pain of looking for parking, but you save time and money.
Save time
You save time since, as we mentioned in the previous point, you don’t waste time looking for a place to park or maneuvering to avoid finding the column of your garage space. Not only this, the bicycle is also the fastest means of transport to get around the city. As stated in the study carried out by the University of Castilla-La Mancha, the average speed of the bicycle in the city is 13.07 km/h, much higher than that of public transport (8.91 km/h) or the average speed of the car, 8.42 km/h.
The bicycle is the fastest means of transport to get around the city
Save money
An initial investment in a quality bike translates into long-term savings. Forget about gas bills, insurance, garage/parking, and maintenance costs. Your wallet will thank you.
To make the explanation clearer, the average monthly cost of owning a car in Spain is 1,044 euros per month, taking into account “the outlay on fuel, depreciation of the vehicle, taxes, interest, insurance and maintenance.”
Since we are full of studies, a report, this time carried out by Norauto, states that “the annual savings of using an electric bicycle is 2,010 euros compared to passenger cars”
If you switch to the electric bike for your daily commutes in the city you can save more than €2000
The expenses of an electric bike are anecdotal throughout the year. For example, our Ossby GEO folding bike with one charge you can do about 50 km. Filling the battery from the socket in your home will cost you between €0.25 and €0.50. To do the same kilometers by car you would spend between €6 and €7. If we take into account more aspect, with a bike you will not pay insurance, or taxes, nor will you have to pass the MOT. Not to mention maintenance or a spare part if something breaks!
Improve your health and well-being
Imagine combining your daily commute with healthy exercise. In a previous post we commented on the magnificent benefits of riding the bicycle during pregnancy, in case you want to read it.
Not only does cycling get you from one place to another, but it also improves your physical and mental health. Pedaling strengthens your heart, increases your endurance and improves your mood.
Here are some amazing facts collected inthe European Mobility Week 2021 Report on the health benefits of using the bicycle as a means of transport:
- A 30-minute bike ride a day has a positive impact on mental health. This can elevate overall mood and improve the quality of a night’s rest, as well as decrease the level of stress, anxiety, and fatigue
- Physically active people, such as those who ride bicycles, reduce their risk of depression by 30%.
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People who choose to use bicycles as a means of transport reduce their risk of heart disease by 46% and that of developing cancer by 45%.
Disadvantages
Adverse weather conditions, watch out for the downpour!
Riding a bike makes us happier and solves our lives in many cases. However, there are situations in which the use of the bicycle is complicated, such as with a storm of those that a waterspout falls and would make us arrive to class or work in a soup. The atmospheric factor can work against us, which is why we recommend betting on allies such as raincoats, comfortable clothes when pedaling, or opting for public transport.
Lack of adequate infrastructure
Despite the bicycle boom and the great efforts of many municipalities and towns to add or increase their bike lanes, there are still many cities with a network of cycle paths and infrastructures very precarious. Examples are, poor signage, parking lots or places that are not enabled or safe to leave the bike parked.
The lack of appropriate lanes often becomes a problem to circulate safely in any urban environment.
By the way, in this article we tell you where you should ride your bike:
¿Por dónde deben circular las bicicletas en ciudad (en España)?
Limitations over long distances
Although the bike is perfect for short and medium distances, it can become a challenge on long trips. Fatigue could be a factor, and long distances could require more time than you’re willing to invest. There is also the possibility that on your journeys you will have to go to a nearby town and you will already have to take the road, you may not want to take this risk. In these cases, a solution is to opt for public transport (if it exists) and in the case of having a folding bike, combine it with a bus or commuter train.
The bicycle as a means of transport has its pros and cons, but its potential to benefit both individuals and the environment is undeniable. While there may be challenges, the satisfaction of pedaling and contributing to a more sustainable world makes it worth considering as a viable option. We are clear, the bicycle is the best vehicle to move around the city.
And while we’re at it, if we have to choose a type of bike to go around the city, we’ll choose ONE folding electric bike, the Ossby GEO. You will find the answer in this blog post.
