Bicycles as Transportation

In Denmark they view bicycles in a very different way than we do in the United States. Because owning a car is so expensive (taxes are 200 percent of the cost of the vehicle, and petrol runs about $9 per gallon), many people in cities go without a car, and many households have only one car. So people use their bikes. They commute to work on them, they go to the grocery store on them, etc. It is quite an experience. This video will give you a taste of what it is like:



People on bikes, going somewhere. You will notice the three postal workers going out to deliver the mail, along with people of every walk of life going about their business on a bike. And no one is in a hurry on their bike, either. People are simply on their way somewhere, so off they go. Here are some pictures (click on the picture to see the entire album):

From Cycling for Transportation

It works because of: 1) the bike paths. Throughout cities and towns the road infrastructure has concessions to cyclists. Mostly this is bike paths, but often automobiles will be restricted to 1 lane on a road (say a narrow bridge), and the rest of the road given to bicycles. 2) Bicycle type. People have town bikes, that have racks and baskets. They are internally geared, and have chain guards, etc, so they are clean and hassle free. You simply put your groceries in your basket and ride along home. They also have trikes specifically designed to carry large loads. They carry anything from children to that chair you bought at Ikea. 3) Number of cyclists. They sheer volume of cyclists ensures caution from motorists. Car drivers always look for cyclists in the bike path. The courtesy shown to cyclists is incredible.

It is a real experience to live without a car, and in a society where this is normal. It is not hard, although there are some definite behavioral changes needed. The store is visited daily, because you cannot carry large loads of groceries. It takes a little more time to get places, although parking is much easier. You get fit, but if you are tired, well, tough.