Why celebrate the bicycle?
Regular physical
activity of moderate intensity – such as walking,
cycling, or doing sports – has significant benefits for
health. At all ages, the benefits of being physically active
outweigh potential harm, for example through accidents. Some
physical activity is better than none. By becoming more
active throughout the day in relatively simple ways, people
can quite easily achieve the recommended activity levels.
According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), safe infrastructure for walking and cycling is also a
pathway for achieving greater health equity. For the poorest
urban sector, who often cannot afford private vehicles,
walking and cycling can provide a form of transport while
reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, certain cancers,
diabetes, and even death. Accordingly, improved active
transport is not only healthy; it is also equitable and
cost-effective.
Meeting the needs of people who walk and
cycle continues to be a critical part of the mobility
solution for helping cities de-couple population growth from
increased emissions, and to improve air quality and road
safety. The COVID-19 pandemic has also led many cities to
rethink their transport systems.
I think American President
John F. Kennedy
was
right-on-the-money when he said:
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a
bike ride.”
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