The History of Cycling
Cycling has been a mode of transportation for hundreds of years. Originally, a civil servant in Germany invented it. He called it a “Laufmaschine,” (Running Machine in English). Then, in the 1870s, the Penny Farthing came to be. One big wheel in the front, and a tiny wheel in the back. It was faster to get around, but still inefficient – not to mention extremely dangerous! The first “normal-looking” bikes with a chain and gears came in the early 1900s.
The cycling scene grew rapidly in Europe, unfortunately for the US, it steadily decreased. It wasn’t until the years between 1960 – 1975 that cycling exploded in the United States. Cycling had to catch on at some point, right? It’s healthy, a means of transportation, and when it comes down to it, fun!
Keep reading for 5 tips on why cycling is the future of transportation:
1. Riding a Bike promotes a healthy lifestyle
- Cycling is simply better for your overall health and wellbeing. It keeps you active, promotes proper blood flow, wards off disease, and to top it all off, works wonders on mental health and stability. Plus, as a form of strength training, it can be as hard or easy as you’d like for it to be.
- When you think about cycling as the future of transportation, it’s hard not to mention electric bicycles. The beauty of the electric bike is that they allow people, both young and old, to ride a bike. It doesn’t really get more futuristic than that!
2. Cycling Can Save You Money
- Whereas the initial investment in a bike CAN be expensive, once you factor in your overall transportation costs, cycling is considerably more affordable.
- Let’s not forget how much car payments are nowadays – not to mention insurance, gas, new tires, and other car-related expenses. You’ll save A TON of money even if you currently own a car.
- Even if you don’t have a car, public transportation can add up over the year. Adding on the occasional Uber or Lyft ride to work, the bar, or to get groceries, will almost assuredly put a dent in your wallet.
A study in 2019 reported that the average person spends $3340 commuting in California. In North Dakota, that number went all the way up to $5059 a year! So ask yourself, what could you do with that extra money?
3. It’s good for the environment
- There’s too much pollution in the world. It’s a fact, no matter which way you look at it. Riding a bike is a surefire way to keep your ecological footprint down.
- The burning of fossil fuels is a topic that raises many controversies. Even more so now that global climate change is getting worse and worse. One of the most significant ways to make an immediate impact is one bike ride at a time.
4. It’s more reliable than public transportation
- The only person that can make you late is yourself. Once you understand how long it really takes you to get from point A to B, things become much more manageable. If you’re a little late, ride faster. If you’ve given yourself enough time, then you can expect to get to work relatively sweat-free. Word of advice – don’t forget to bring an extra shirt and deodorant.
- Many times cycling can be faster than public transportation as well because of the number of stops you have to make on a bus. And traffic? Yeah, you can forget about sitting bumper to bumper on your way home.
5. It builds community
- How often do you see a group of people riding together? Whether it’s your local group ride or just a couple of friends riding to the beach, cycling is very social. You can meet a friend somewhere, or race a crit with your local road cycling club. Either way, cycling brings people together.
Nothing Can Get In The Way, Or Can It?
Yes, cycling has its downsides. When the weather decides to rain cats and dogs, you either suck it up or take an Uber for the day. The amount you’ve saved already from riding will make up for the Uber. Cycling in highly congested areas also comes with the risk of getting into an accident. The best advice is to stay aware of your surroundings and wear a helmet. If you want more tips on commuting, you can refer to the article “5 Tips for Bike Commuters – Safety First.” Ultimately, even driving comes with its dangers, so the best thing you can do is try to forget about it and enjoy all the benefits of cycling.
As transportation is changing around the world, you have to remember what works and is reliable. If the battery dies in your new electric car and you’re in the middle of nowhere, without service, what are you going to do? If you’re on a bike, and you get a flat or drop your chain, you can usually keep riding to the closest bus stop or town. It can also be a very consistent form of transportation. Even when things break on a bike, most of the time, there’s a fix that can get you riding/walking to the closest bike shop.
Riding a bicycle is a way to make a positive impact on the environment and connect your daily tasks in the process.
If you have ever wondered if riding a bike is future-proof and can change your life, then here’s your answer. If it can assist the lives of Europeans in the 1800s, spread to the rest of the world, and stand strong today, then it can surely make an impact on yours.
—————
For more information and detailed specs on our complete range of bikes and accessories, you can head over to the link below.
Give us a call at (310) 838-9644 or come on by the shop for bike repair, bike assembly or an electric bike in Culver City and Santa Monica.
If you’re looking for our online bike shop where we stock electric bikes and standard bikes, then go to our webshop here https://bikeshopcalifornia.com/shop/
Follow Us
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bikeshopca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BikeShopCa/
Santa Monica Location: https://wwww.bikeshopsantamonica.com
—————
Author: Mitchell Dick, LiveTravelCycle.com
