STREET FURNITURE
CYCLING AS OUR FUTURE TRANSPORT
With several national lockdowns firmly under our belts and despite offices being shut for most of 2020 , the Department of Transport has noted a 38 % increase in cycling since before the pandemic . Although this increase has been predominantly recreational the government is hoping that this can be the stimulus to continue this trend into long-term travel habits for us all .
With our drive towards Net Zero , transport is without doubt one of the most challenging sectors to tackle . Our car-dependent lifestyles along with roads , vehicles , and heavy use of fossil fuels are truly embedded in all walks of life . One obvious way to reduce our transport emissions will be to firmly embrace the bike !
Across the country , many of our major cities are getting on their bikes ! For example , The Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040 outlines all their efforts to make cycling a viable , sustainable and safe transport choice for the future . Greater Manchester intends to have ‘ World-class connections that support long-term sustainable economic growth and access to opportunity for all ’ and cycling will be key !
The most bike-friendly city in the world is Copenhagen , London does not currently feature in the top 50 . Copenhagen has been top of the rankings since 2015 and a huge 62 % of daily work and school journeys are made by bike . The Danish capital features numerous cycling bridges , 167 km of cycling paths that link seamlessly to the surrounding countryside , and even repair stations .
However here in the UK , it appears we may need further incentive . Cycling has many health benefits . It is a low-impact exercise that doubles up as an environmentally sound way to travel . The UK has the highest levels of obesity in Western Europe and cycling can have a direct positive impact on this alarming statistic . Cycling helps you lose weight . Studies have shown that even sedentary people can reap the benefits of healthy cycling .
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