The more people on bikes, the better it is for drivers as there’s less car traffic. People get stuck in traffic jams in their car for hours, yet if they get stuck behind a bike for 10 seconds they lose their shit
Lots of disabled people can’t drive, bike infrastructure also accommodates wheelchairs, mobility scooters, hand bikes and other ways disabled people get around.
50% of journeys are 5 miles or less, nobody is seriously suggesting going long distances on bikes (though I have)
You can easily carry a full load of shopping, bits from the diy shop and more, there are even tradespeople who work via a cargo bike rather than van
By cycling you get fitter very quick, you learn to pace yourself but you get faster as you get fitter. E-bikes are also an option too
Can’t fix the air con issue, when I cycled to work I took a change of clothes and got changed there I don’t live in a very hot place though. As for cold, a good set of waterproof mittens, some waterproof overtrousers and a good coat work wonders (and can be used when your not on a bike too)
What about those who can’t drive, how do they get around?
My ebike has enabled me to take 40 mile round trips, saves me on hills (though honestly once you’re fit it’s not a big deal anyway), helps me carry lots of goods, and since I’m usually going fast the wind cools me down (though a little spray bottle helps keep me cool when it’s really hot). I’m usually warm enough from enough from physical exertion that I don’t really need a heater (unless it’s so blisteringly cold that the fog of my breath turns to ice in my balaclava, but that’s way below freezing.)
The only thing that really stops me is ice. Any other weather I can handle, but when there’s ice my bike goes inside.
Enables people with mobility issues
Allows people to move about farther than just a few miles or so
Allows people to transport a lot of goods (and/or heavy goods) easily
Doesn’t make you exhausted if you have to go up hills
AIR CONDITIONING/HEATER
Fuck your walkable/bike nightmare “utopia”.
The more people on bikes, the better it is for drivers as there’s less car traffic. People get stuck in traffic jams in their car for hours, yet if they get stuck behind a bike for 10 seconds they lose their shit
Lots of disabled people can’t drive, bike infrastructure also accommodates wheelchairs, mobility scooters, hand bikes and other ways disabled people get around.
50% of journeys are 5 miles or less, nobody is seriously suggesting going long distances on bikes (though I have)
You can easily carry a full load of shopping, bits from the diy shop and more, there are even tradespeople who work via a cargo bike rather than van
By cycling you get fitter very quick, you learn to pace yourself but you get faster as you get fitter. E-bikes are also an option too
Can’t fix the air con issue, when I cycled to work I took a change of clothes and got changed there I don’t live in a very hot place though. As for cold, a good set of waterproof mittens, some waterproof overtrousers and a good coat work wonders (and can be used when your not on a bike too)
What about those who can’t drive, how do they get around?
My ebike has enabled me to take 40 mile round trips, saves me on hills (though honestly once you’re fit it’s not a big deal anyway), helps me carry lots of goods, and since I’m usually going fast the wind cools me down (though a little spray bottle helps keep me cool when it’s really hot). I’m usually warm enough from enough from physical exertion that I don’t really need a heater (unless it’s so blisteringly cold that the fog of my breath turns to ice in my balaclava, but that’s way below freezing.)
The only thing that really stops me is ice. Any other weather I can handle, but when there’s ice my bike goes inside.
I agree with your points, trains are fucking awesome too.