Traffic, congestion and pollution have long been a plague on cities. While public transportation helps to abate some of these problems, it is not always available. One of the best options in many cities is to take to the road - by bike.
Two wheels rather than four can not only lessen the environmental footprint you have on the world, it can also provide faster transport, it's cheap, has distinct health benefits, and it can also help you form a stronger bond to the city around you.
Many cities are now seeing the value of having a community of bike riders. City governments are adding bike lanes, riders are forming groups, and routes and tips are posted online. "Utility cycling" is a term that refers to cycling not done primarily for fitness or recreation, but as a means of transport. Bike sharing and inexpensive rentals are gaining in popularity for both tourists and residents. Cities want people to get out there, and get riding.
Bicycle sharing systems allow for a number of bicycles to be easily accessible, either from stands are parked at strategic locations, and be shared among multiple users. This removes the difficulties of bike ownership such as loss from theft or vandalism, lack of parking or storage, and maintenance requirements.
vélo et fleur Amsterdam Jean-Jacques Cordier - FotoliaThe earliest programs stem from the 1960s, begun by Luud Schimmelpenninck and the radical group Provo in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Provo was a Dutch counterculture movement that focused on provoking violent responses from authorities using non-violent bait.
They created the "White Bicycle Plan" which provided free bicycles that were supposed to be used for one trip and then left for someone else. However, the program was not a complete success as most of the bikes were stolen or vandalized. Luckily, this did not deter other cities from developing programs. Currently there are more than 200 schemes operating worldwide.
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