Using Bicycles as an Alternative to Automobiles
Using Bicycles As An Alternative To Automobiles
October 21, 1996
Ecology & Design
University of Colorado
Abstract:
This paper basically shows the reasons to use the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation. It will points out the benefits of the use of a bicycle. It will also show what is being done to get rid of the negative aspects of using a bicycle for transportation. Bicycling is one of the fastest growing forms of recreation. People are drawn to it for many reasons, being out in the fresh air, the thrill of speed, the physical challenge, along with many other things. But there can be many more uses for the bicycle. The use that this paper will focus on is transportation.
The use of bicycles can greatly improve the economy of a nation. A comparison between the efficiency of the transportation systems of the United Stated and
Japan points this out. In 1990 Americans spent 17.9 percent of the GNP on transportation, whereas the Japanese spent only 10.79 percent on transportation.
This difference of nearly 7 percent, gives the Japanese economy much more money for investing in their future.
Our Economy is not the only thing we should worry about, and it is also not the only thing that can be improved by the use of bicycles. There are several major problems that could be drastically reduced by the increased use of bicycles.
Traffic would be a lot lighter due to the extremely small size of bicycles. It would also greatly reduce the wear and tear on our roads and highways, and therefore reduce government expenditure. But one of the most serious problems it would reduce is that of pollution and smog in out larger cities.
There are more benefits to biking, though. There are benefits that come at a more personal level.
Biking greatly improves ones health. It can be a way to exercise without taking much times out of ones schedule. The time one would spend biking to work serves two important purposes. One, getting to work, but also as a
October 21, 1996
Ecology & Design
University of Colorado
Abstract:
This paper basically shows the reasons to use the bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation. It will points out the benefits of the use of a bicycle. It will also show what is being done to get rid of the negative aspects of using a bicycle for transportation. Bicycling is one of the fastest growing forms of recreation. People are drawn to it for many reasons, being out in the fresh air, the thrill of speed, the physical challenge, along with many other things. But there can be many more uses for the bicycle. The use that this paper will focus on is transportation.
The use of bicycles can greatly improve the economy of a nation. A comparison between the efficiency of the transportation systems of the United Stated and
Japan points this out. In 1990 Americans spent 17.9 percent of the GNP on transportation, whereas the Japanese spent only 10.79 percent on transportation.
This difference of nearly 7 percent, gives the Japanese economy much more money for investing in their future.
Our Economy is not the only thing we should worry about, and it is also not the only thing that can be improved by the use of bicycles. There are several major problems that could be drastically reduced by the increased use of bicycles.
Traffic would be a lot lighter due to the extremely small size of bicycles. It would also greatly reduce the wear and tear on our roads and highways, and therefore reduce government expenditure. But one of the most serious problems it would reduce is that of pollution and smog in out larger cities.
There are more benefits to biking, though. There are benefits that come at a more personal level.
Biking greatly improves ones health. It can be a way to exercise without taking much times out of ones schedule. The time one would spend biking to work serves two important purposes. One, getting to work, but also as a
References: 1. United States, Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Considerations Into State and Local Transportation Planning (Washington: The Administration, 1994) Federal Community (Washington: U.S. General Accounting Office, 1981) 4. Mike Hudson, Bicycle Planning (The Architectural Press: London, 1982) 5. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Pedestrian Behavior and Bicycle Traffic (Washington: National Academy of Sciences, 1980) 6. National Research Council. Transportation Research Board. Nonmotorized Transportation Around The World (Washington: National Academy Press, 1994) National Academy Press, 1994) 9. http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/air/ms/vexercis.htm