Posted on 05/11/2020 5:48:04 AM PDT by Oldeconomybuyer
FRANKFURT/LONDON - Bicycles could play a central role in more major European cities as governments scramble to get commuters back to work without crowding buses or trains after coronavirus lockdowns are eased.
Britain, a laggard compared to its continental neighbours when it comes to cycling to work, is now encouraging people to get in the saddle as part of a 250 million pound ($308 million)emergency active travel fund announced last week.
And in France, home to the world’s most famous bike race, the government plans to invest 20 million euros ($22 million) to develop and subsidise two-wheel travel, which like Britain will include temporary bike lanes.
While Amsterdam in the Netherlands and many cities across northern Europe are geared up for cycle commuting, in other countries a lack of infrastructure has limited bike usage.
British transport minister Grant Shapps said Britain’s road infrastructure would be changed to accommodate more cyclists and added that e-scooter trials would be brought forward, with the potential for rental vehicles on British roads as early as June.
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
“my dad toured Europe on a bike when he was a teenager”
“TURN A WHEEL ON SHEFFIELD STEEL”
Sadly, those days are gone.
Yes, they still make exquisite bikes all across Europe; mostly upmarket.
60% of the world’s bikes are made in China, over 80% from around Asia.
Guessing, that most of the E-bikes are Chinese components, may be assembled in Europe?
So most of the bikes sold in this campaign will be from the home of the wu-flu, that started all this crap.
My bike's snow tires get bogged down in the slush. And then when I arrive for a business meeting with wet clothes, it's embarrassing.
With an electric bike, pretty much everywhere is the equivalent of "flat as a board".
I'm 73, with bad knees and not-so-great balance due to inner-ear problems. I have an electric tricycle, and love it. It is the perfect solution for short (5-10 mile) commute (though I no longer need to commute). I can peddle 'til the knees get tired, then "throttle" while they recover. HIGHLY recommended.
If you live in that climate (I'm from south Louisiana which WAS that virtually year-round), the only way NOT to arrive in that state is to ride in "something" air conditioned.
One possible exception is an electric bike that can "throttle" so you can ride without pedaling..then the moving air gives you "natural" air conditioning and keeps you more or less dry.
When I have to commute, it’s going to be on the outside of a ferry and then ride my bike to the office. They serve beer on the ferry, so it’s very healthy.
Virtue signalling.
Get ready for a lot of injuries due to falls off bicycles and bike riders hurt by motor vehicles and those trolleys so in favor of Democrat city mayors. No matter how many bike lanes are created there will be a time when a bike rider encounters other traffic. Also, a lot of bikers blow through stop signs, lights or change directions without looking. Some even watch videos on their cell phones.
PING!
Thanks real saxophonist.
Probably because it rains a lot in Britain. Bicycling in the rain would be a miserable experience.
It's a bit of a myth that rainfall is high in Britain, except for areas of the West and North. London's average annual rainfall is only 23ins, which is less than New York or Chicago. In any case, with modern cycling rainwear cycling in the rain isn't unpleasant
An increasing number of enlightened employers in the UK are now providing showers and locker rooms for staff.
In London and many other British cities the congestion is so bad that it's a lot quicker by bike than in a car, not ten minutes slower!
For many years I had a 20 mile each way cycling commute to work through the mucky rural lanes here in Devon, including 2000’ of ascent (more coming home than going in to work, unfortunately). All year, all weathers. It’s not that unusual.
Remember the same vibe in Germany. My last couple of years in Deutschland was among the best time in my life. I spoke German well enough that most I encountered weren't sure if I was an American: I definitely looked like a soldier with my short hair, but I spoke German with no accent.
I was aware of the various dialects, especially the Hunsrucker dialect where I lived, and Hoch Deutsch from the summer I spent in Northern Germany. I often would go North on long weekends to party with the really good friends I made.
Both areas had mostly small towns, and the people were very friendly.
Buy Taiwanese
The contrast is not so much between the UK and other European countries, but between northern Europe and the Latinate countries of the south. Commuting by bike is high in Germany, Scandinavia, and to a lesser extent the UK (it’s higher in London than in other cities, for various reasons). But in all these countries utility cycling is much higher than in France, Italy or Spain, where cycling has traditionally been viewed primarily as a sport rather than a means of transport. That is beginning to change, especially in, for instance ,Paris.
My favorite spot to visit was the Madurodam in The Hague.
Good luck in the typical GB/EU weather . ..rain and snow. What a pathetic leftist loser joke.
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