Kelsey Raynor, Author at Discerning Cyclist https://discerningcyclist.com/author/kelsey-raynor/ Cycling in Style Thu, 28 Mar 2024 12:24:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://discerningcyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/cropped-discerning-cyclist-icon-orange-1-50x50.png Kelsey Raynor, Author at Discerning Cyclist https://discerningcyclist.com/author/kelsey-raynor/ 32 32 Are Bicycles Still in Short Supply? [2021-2022 ANALYSIS] https://discerningcyclist.com/are-bicycles-still-in-short-supply/ https://discerningcyclist.com/are-bicycles-still-in-short-supply/#respond Thu, 23 Sep 2021 12:45:00 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=11323

As most cyclists will currently be aware, the past year has been troublesome when it comes to purchasing bicycles. But why is there a bicycle shortage and how long can we expect it to continue? Why Are All Bicycles Sold…

The post Are Bicycles Still in Short Supply? [2021-2022 ANALYSIS] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>

As most cyclists will currently be aware, the past year has been troublesome when it comes to purchasing bicycles.

But why is there a bicycle shortage and how long can we expect it to continue?

Why Are All Bicycles Sold Out?

As COVID-19 spread globally, the United Kingdom saw its first national lockdown in April of 2020. With everyone’s spirits dampened and many of us being confined to our homes or fearing public transport, it makes sense that we saw a huge spike in cycling as a result of the pandemic.

As the virus continued to do its thing, up to 8.9 million people in the UK were cycling per week. This has since been coined the ‘bike boom’ and even though we are now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel – in terms of COVID-19 – the effects of this are still impacting the bicycle market.

Ultimately, we ended up with an increased demand for bike components alongside a reduced supply; thus, bicycles were sold out and still continue to be hard to get a hold of.

Are Bikes Hard to Find Right Now?

The short answer is yes – bicycles are still hard to find right now. Especially in the category of bikes costing less than £1,000. While it was anticipated that there would be a growth in bicycle sales during 2021 regardless, the effects of the pandemic sent these estimates soaring.

These statistics do not just apply to the United Kingdom either. Across the globe, Matt Powell (senior industry advisor and vice president of the market research group, NPD) claimed that bicycle sales increased 55% between December 2020 and February 2021 – this is compared to the same period of time during 2019.

As of June 2021, major retailer Halfords continued to warn that the shortage of bikes is ongoing globally. Their profits tripled during the pandemic due to the increase in bicycle sales. More specifically, their pretax profits increased by 184 percent to £64.5 million.

How Long Will the Bicycle Shortage Last?

Even as we approach the end of the pandemic, bicycle sales are still expected to remain troublesome. With restrictions on foreign travel and struggles in terms of both manufacturing and shipping still ongoing, the bicycle shortage could continue into 2023.

While it may seem that things are returning back to normal, temporary closures of factories across Asia are still happening. If one factory closes its doors, there is a major shortfall in components and materials for the bikes that so many of us are demanding. As of writing, Malaysia continues to close factories. While Vietnam – another major source of bicycles – remains in lockdown. 

Additionally, the shipping of components to Western countries remains an issue too. This is not solely down to travel restrictions, but a shortage in shipping containers globally also. Prior to COVID-19 ravaging the planet, shipping containers from the Far East were estimated to cost around $2000. However, they are now estimated at costing $18,0000 per container. Each container can ship 265 bikes, and for those bikes that are cheaper, this affects them disproportionately.

With all of this being said, industry figures claim that production has been booked and pre-sold far into the future. While we can hope that things will settle down later into 2022, there is also a chance we may not see a ‘normal’ bicycle market again until 2023.

What Should I Do if I Can’t Buy a Bike?

Firstly, be cautious of being scammed when it comes to trying to buy a bicycle. As with every new shortage, more and more scam websites will pop up to try and take advantage of this. Rather than take that risk, we recommend renting a bike instead.

If you find that you want to go cycling, but the bicycle you want is not available just yet, do not be disheartened. There are still plenty of bikes available online, just be sure to do your research, and be cautious if a price looks too good to be true. However, as our recommended alternate option, we have a handy guide here on how you can rent a bike too so you need not miss out.

The post Are Bicycles Still in Short Supply? [2021-2022 ANALYSIS] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>
https://discerningcyclist.com/are-bicycles-still-in-short-supply/feed/ 0
How to Recycle Bicycle Parts: Tires, Tubes, Chains and More… https://discerningcyclist.com/recycling-bicycle-parts/ https://discerningcyclist.com/recycling-bicycle-parts/#respond Tue, 21 Sep 2021 09:52:00 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=11387

Whether your bicycle is no longer needed or you’re replacing a part, the good news is that various bicycle parts need not go to landfill. Of course, if you’ve got an old bike that you no longer use but still…

The post How to Recycle Bicycle Parts: Tires, Tubes, Chains and More… appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>

Whether your bicycle is no longer needed or you’re replacing a part, the good news is that various bicycle parts need not go to landfill.

Of course, if you’ve got an old bike that you no longer use but still works, there are no shortage of charities that will help you donate it to a good cause.

But if your bike is no longer functioning in its entirety, there are still plenty of options other than sending it to a landfill.

Keep reading to learn which items can be recycled and/or repurposed and how to do so.

SKIP AHEAD

How to recycle:

Which Bike Parts Can Be Recycled?

Believe it or not, it is very easy to donate or recycle entire bicycles, depending on their condition. However, if you need to get rid of just a part, then recyclable parts include inner tubing, tires, helmets, tires, and the frame of your bicycle.

1. Can Bicycle Tires be Recycled? 

If you regularly tear up the tarmac, your tires can quickly become worn. Fortunately, tires are incredibly easy to recycle if this happens. 

Even if they’re past their time and can’t be reused, bicycle tires are made of hard-wearing rubber and can easily be recycled into something new. 

How to Recycle Bike Tires

If you don’t feel creative enough to repurpose your bicycle tires yourself (they would make a good belt!), we recommend taking them to your local Velorim center.

For a small contribution, Velorim can incinerate tires and separate them into constituent materials. The rubber, steel, and fiber produced will be sent to various destinations. Your tires (and inner tubes, too!) can live on as flooring, construction materials, and insulation.

2. Can Bike Tubes Be Recycled? 

It’s very easy to dismiss your inner tubing as something that should be binned, especially considering they’re the part that you probably replace the most. However, this does not need to be the case, as they can be recycled!

How to Recycle Bike Tubes 

One of the best ways to recycle your bike tubes is by sending them to Cycle of Good.

The charity is based in Stoke-on-Trent (where you will ship your tubes) and comprises 10 Malawian tailors. The creative crew turns your tubes into fashionable wallets and purses before they are shipped back to the UK to be sold internationally. Every penny that Cycle of Good raises from these efforts goes back into the development of the Malawian community.

3. Can Bike Frames Be Recycled?

Bicycle frames are often made from various materials, including aluminum, carbon fiber, and titanium. Once broken down, these can be sold at scrap yards and thus repurposed into other items.

Once accepted by a scrap yard, the frames are broken down, and their materials are separated by type. They are then sold and thus further processed. 

How to Recycle Bicycle Frames

Most places do not pay much for scrap frames, and trying to sell them can often be a hassle. However, there is a range of services that will gladly do this for you rather than sending your once beloved frame to landfill.

Services like junk removal companies, such as 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, can easily do this for you. However, there may be providers of this service much more local to you that you would like to support.

4. Can Bike Chains Be Recycled?

Unless you know of a local bicycle company that will take your chain off your hands, bike chains are one of the trickier components to recycle. If your bike chain is worn and rusted, the first thing we recommend is to try to clean it. 

If you wish to dry and clean or oil your chain first – either to reuse it or to make it easier to sell and/or recycle – we recommend our handy guide here.

How to Recycle Bike Chains

The most popular fate for bicycle chains is to be repurposed for arts and crafts projects or donated to someone who will. Alternatively, some local bicycle shops will take them off your hands in an attempt to recycle them.

If you, or someone you know, need some inspiration on how to repurpose bicycle chains, we recommend this handy crafts guide for some ideas. This includes photo frames, candle holders and coasters! Alas, there is no need for your chains to go to landfill.

OSRAME Ornament Creative Jewelry Home Decoration Resin Craftsfairtrade Bicycle Bookends Made From Recycled Bike Chains
  • Cute and cute, fun and humorous, beautiful and practical
  • These versatile accessories can be placed almost anywhere. They look great decoration, suitable for interior decoration: restaurants, cabinets, bars, kitchens, etc.
  • Eye-catching, full-featured, beautiful and practical, improve life

5. Other Recyclable Bicycle Parts

Almost all components of a bike can be recycled. Whether they are repurposed or broken down into component materials, all of your gear, including brake pads and helmets, can be recycled. 

In order to keep cycling as one of the greenest and most efficient forms of travel, we would argue it is important not only to try and prevent your bicycle from wear and tear but when it inevitably happens, to prevent these items from going to landfill.

If you use an electric bike, do not worry! There is a way to recycle your bicycle’s batteries too. To find out more, visit our FAQ here, or Recycle More’s battery information page here.

6. Can Bicycle Helmets Be Recycled

Bicycle helmets are often made of mixed materials, specifically mixed plastics, which makes them a nightmare to responsibly recycle. When helmets are old, bashed, or broken, it is not ideal to try to fix and reuse them either. However, they can be repurposed.

How to Recycle Bike Helmets 

Rather than wasting your old helmet or sending it to a landfill where its plastics can damage the environment, we recommend repurposing it. Whether donating to your local emergency services or turning the helmet into a planter, there are many ways to do this.

If your helmet is still in okay condition, but you don’t require it anymore, a Google search can tell you if any services local to you are either 1) accepting helmet donations or 2) looking for helmets for training exercises. If your helmet is older than 3 years, we recommend not donating it to charity, as it must be safe enough for others to use.

Old helmets can also be easily turned into beautiful planters for your garden. Lay down some stones and then some soil, and then you can plant away. This is a nice way to add a small cycling touch to your garden. 

With that in mind, if you require a new helmet, take a peek at smart helmets that do more than just keep you safe.

The post How to Recycle Bicycle Parts: Tires, Tubes, Chains and More… appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>
https://discerningcyclist.com/recycling-bicycle-parts/feed/ 0
Do Bikes Have to Have a Bell? [Laws Explained] https://discerningcyclist.com/do-bicycles-have-to-have-bells/ https://discerningcyclist.com/do-bicycles-have-to-have-bells/#respond Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:31:00 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=11335

Cycling, whether it be for your daily commute or for pleasure, is a simple form of urban mobility. That being said, does your bike need to have a bell when you are riding? Is it a legal requirement? Knowing your…

The post Do Bikes Have to Have a Bell? [Laws Explained] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>

Cycling, whether it be for your daily commute or for pleasure, is a simple form of urban mobility. That being said, does your bike need to have a bell when you are riding? Is it a legal requirement?

Knowing your rights as a cyclist and responsibilities within adhering to the law can make all the difference.

So what does the law say exactly?

Is It Illegal to Ride a Bike Without a Bell?

It is not illegal to ride a bicycle without a bell in the UK and the USA. However, in other countries, such as Northern Ireland and Australia, having a bicycle with a bell is a legal requirement with severe fines facing people cycling with out one.

Just as there is often confusion surrounding whether or not you require a bicycle helmet, and whether or not these actually make your riding experience safer, the same confusion lies around bicycle bells globally too. Here are the laws you need to keep note of:

Bicycle Bell Law UK 

Rule 66 of the Highway Code states that cyclists must let others know where they are when necessary. For example ‘by ringing your bell if you have one’. The if is key here; having or using a bicycle bell is therefore not a mandatory legal requirement in the UK.

It is recommended that cyclists equip a bicycle bell, and all UK stores will are required to equip one upon sale, but it is up to you whether you choose to use it or not.

Bicycle Bell Law USA

A bicycle bell is a legal requirement in some US states, such as New York, Georgia, New Jersey, Indiana and South Carolina, but not in other states. It is important to note that some local jurisdictions may require that you have a bell fitted. 

Besides that, a bicycle bell is not a legal requirement across much of the USA, yet is is important to always check the laws of the local area you may be riding in.

Bicycle Bell Laws Around the World

Whether you need to legally have a bicycle bell or not can vary across the globe, so it is essential to check the local rules and regulations – and your bicycle itself – before cycling in a new country. 

Of the 195 countries globally, some of which legally require you to have a bicycle bell are as follows: Holland, Australia, Northern Ireland, Germany, and some Canadian states. This is not a definitive list and the regulations surrounding bicycle bells are constantly changing, so make sure to check the area’s laws before you travel with your bicycle.

If you do plan to travel with your bicycle, after making the necessary checks, make sure to have the essentials you may require should you run into an emergency during your commute or adventure.

Should Bikes Have Bells? 

Whether or not bikes should have bells is a matter of opinion, unless you live somewhere in which it is a legal requirement. Arguably, the use of a bicycle bell is there to improve the safety of yourself, other cyclists and pedestrians and is encouraged.

As previously mentioned, Rule 66 of the Highway Code suggests that it is ‘recommended’ that a bicycle bell be fitted to make others aware of where you are on the road. If you know that you are going to be cycling for your commute, or among busy areas such as dual carriageways or paved areas with pedestrians, then it is important to be aware of how to cycle safely and responsibly.

Are Bicycle Bells Rude?

Bicycle bells are a tool for safety, and therefore, when used appropriately, will do nothing more than warn individuals of your approach. The majority of bicycle bells are only loud enough to reliably alert people in your immediate vicinity, such as other cyclists and pedestrians.

It is also worth noting that bicycle bells are customisable, with some being much louder than your standard bicycle bell. It is arguable that some of these act as more of a distraction, with air horns being almost as loud as car horns. These would likely be considered rude and almost dangerous rather than a tool for keeping yourselves and others safe. 

If you are looking for an appropriate bicycle bell that suits your personal preferences while remaining safe during your commute or your off-road journey, we recommend our article on the best – and loudest – bicycle bells here.

When Should I Use My Bike Bell?

When cycling somewhere in which there are blind spots, a gentle ring of your bell helps fellow cyclists be aware of your presence. Whenever you are behind a pedestrian, or run the risk of one stepping in front of you on the road, your bell helps to make them aware that you are about to pass.

The alternative to bicycle bells would be to shout, but this arguably runs the risk of coming across more rude than an appropriate bicycle bell ever would. However, when it comes to riding your bicycle in an area where having a bell is not a legal requirement, the choice of how you communicate with who you share the road with is entirely yours.

READ MORE:

Bestseller No. 1
JFmall Bike Bell Bicycle Bell with Loud Crisp Clear Sound, Road and Mountain Bike Handlebar Bell Adults Kids(8 colors), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene , Black
  • Fit for 22mm / 0.866 inch diameter bike handle bar or scooter handle bar.
  • The bike bell with a crisp and loudly sound while riding to keeps you more safety.
  • 1 MINUTE to complete installation- Just tight the screw on the handle bar, the bicycle bell will be attached handle bar well.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Fischer Unisex Chrome Bicycle Bell, Silver/Chrome, One Size EU
  • Traditional bell
  • Chrome-plated upper part
  • Silver
Bestseller No. 3
ICOCOPRO Bike Bell - 100DB Bicycle Bell with Loud Crisp Clear Sound - Bicycle Bell Adult Kids for 22.2mm Bike Handle - Bike Bells for Road Mountain Bikes Scooter
  • 𝗟𝗼𝘂𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗽: Our bike bell uses a metal collision method, and the sound can reach 100 decibels. The bell is loud and clear which can be heard clearly even in...
  • 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻: Different from the raised shape of ordinary bike bells, this conch-shaped bike bell adult fits the bicycle handlebar...
  • 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹: This bicycle bell adult bike is suitable for any handlebar with a diameter of 22.2mm and is easy to fit. Just tighten the screws to install the...
Bestseller No. 4
flintronic Bike Bell, Copper Alloy Water Resistant Cycling Bell with Crisp Loud Melodious Sound, Volume up to 103 decibels, Compatible with 22.2-31.8 mm for Kids Adult, Mountain Bike, Road Bike
  • 【Universal Bike Bell】Our bicycle bell with exquisite outlook and small bell, which includes two types of spacers, suitable for 0.87-1.25 inch/22.2-31.8mm bicycle handlebars. It can be easily...
  • 【Loud and Crisp】Our mountain bike bell is made of high-quality copper alloy and has clear sound with a volume up to 103 decibels. It effectively alert pedestrians and passing vehicles. A good...
  • 【Durable & Sturdy】The copper alloy bicycle bell is made of high-quality copper alloy, which features anti-rust, anti-aging coating and long-lasting. It can stay in new condition after long time...
Bestseller No. 5
ROCKBROS Cycling Bell Vintage Bike Bell Bicycle Bells Adults 75DB Bike Handlebar Bell Retro Bicycle Bell Loud Sound Horn 5 Colors
  • ☆MATERIAL: Stainless Steel, Brass; Type: Horn.
  • ☆CLEAR AND LOUD: Volume:> 75DB (International Standard)
  • ☆SUITABLE: Suitable for all bicycles; ULTRALIGHT: Approx. 45g.

The post Do Bikes Have to Have a Bell? [Laws Explained] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>
https://discerningcyclist.com/do-bicycles-have-to-have-bells/feed/ 0
What is ‘Bikeability’? [New Cycling Proficiency Test Explained] https://discerningcyclist.com/what-is-bikeability-course-cost/ https://discerningcyclist.com/what-is-bikeability-course-cost/#respond Tue, 07 Sep 2021 17:55:00 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=11253

For many generations, the Cycling Proficiency Test was a right of passage through childhood. But it’s not something you seem to hear about any more. So, what actually happened to the Cycling Proficiency Test? Do kids still have any formal…

The post What is ‘Bikeability’? [New Cycling Proficiency Test Explained] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>

For many generations, the Cycling Proficiency Test was a right of passage through childhood. But it’s not something you seem to hear about any more.

So, what actually happened to the Cycling Proficiency Test? Do kids still have any formal bicycle education?

Here we explore…

Does the ‘Cycling Proficiency Test’ Still Exist? 

The Cycling Proficiency Test stopped being used in 2007. It was superseded by a new scheme, branded ‘Bikeability’, which was introduced by the Department of Transport as part of their National Standard for Cycle Training plan.

What Happened to the Cycling Proficiency Test?

Introduced by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents in 1947 (the Scheme was officially introduced in 1958), the Cycling Proficiency Test ran continuously until it was effectively replaced by Bikeability in 2007. 

What is Bikeability? 

Bikeability acts as an updated, more relevant, modern-day version of the Cycling Proficiency Test. Its role is to ensure that young people gain the practical skills necessary to be able to cycle on today’s roads safely. That being said, however, the training is available to all ages.

A progressive programme, Bikeability assists everyone with gaining the skills and confidence for various levels of cycling and how to stay safe while doing so.

Who Runs Bikeability?

The Bikeability programme itself is based upon the National Standard for Cycle Training, and is the Department of Transport’s national award provider for cycle training in England. The programme is also approved by the Cycle Training Standards Board.

When engaging with Bikeability, it is recommended to check with your local authorities first as to what they offer in your area. If the training is not being delivered in-school, information is typically available from their website under ‘cycling’ or ‘cycling training’.

Who is Bikeability For? 

Bikeability is primarily organised and delivered by its registered providers within schools, mainly for children of the ages Year 5 to 7. However, Bikeability offers its services to individuals of all ages. 

So, if you’re thinking of picking up cycling but don’t quite know where to begin or how to responsibly go about it, then Bikeability may be appropriate for you.

What Age is Bikeability For? 

Bikeability is primarily introduced to children during in-school programs from the school years of Year 5 to Year 7 (ages 9 to 12). However, Bikeability is available to people of all ages.

Can Adults Do a Bikeability Course? 

Adults can participate in Bikeability. Many local authorities have adult cycle training offers under the name of Bikeability, or the National Standard for Cycling Training in which Bikeability is based upon.

Training for adults can also be built around specific needs. For example, if there is a particular route or skill that you may need assistance becoming more proficient in. If you think Bikeability may be for you, but you don’t yet have a bike, we suggest our quiz on how to find the right bike for your needs.

How Many Bikeability Levels Are There?

Bikeability is typically made up of three levels. However, it is not compulsory to do all three of these levels if yourself, or your child, already has an understanding of the basics of cycling.

For children in particular, some may begin their Bikeability training from levels 2 or 3, rather than 1, depending on their experience. Their instructor will check which level is most appropriate before commencing with the training. However, it is recommended that children participate in all 3 levels of the Bikeability programme to ensure that they are getting the most out of the training whilst they have the opportunity.

What is Bikeability Level 1?

At level 1, there are 2 modules made up of four activities that lasts two hours. Individuals will learn how to prepare for their journey, check their bicycle is ready for their journey, and to be able to set off, slow down and stop safely. 

This includes controlling their speed, looking behind themselves and being able to cycle one-handed so that they can indicate the direction they’re going in to other travellers.

What is Bikeability Level 2? 

At level 2, there are 3 modules made up of eight activities that lasts six hours. These activities include cycling safely, managing risk, responding to hazards, negotiating junctions, complying with various road signals and markings, and being able to communicate effectively with other users of the road. 

There will also be teaching on how to maintain a suitable and comfortable riding position, as well as how to safely start and stop during road journeys.

What is Bikeability Level 3? 

Finally, at level 3, there are 2 modules made up of four activities that last two hours – similarly to level 1. Individuals at level 3 will learn how to plan their journeys and ride with confidence where cycling is permitted. 

After level 3, they will be able to cooperate with other road users, negotiate junctions effections, use cycling infrastructure where present and ride on roads with speeds above 30mph when necessary.

How Long Does Bikeability Take? 

Altogether, doing the Bikeability programmes Level 1, 2 and 3 training will take 10 hours. Often, this is spread over a period of time, to give individuals time between lessons to process and practice what they have learnt.

Bikeability Cost 

Typically, Bikeability training delivered in schools is free or at a minor cost. For those training outside of schools, there may be different charges incurred that will need to be checked with the provider.

Who Pays for Bikeability? 

The cost of Bikeability is typically covered by schools or local authorities, who can apply for funding from the Department of Transport. However, parents may be asked to contribute a small fee towards the training. Training can also be provided privately, in which case the student will pay..

How is Bikeability Funded? 

The majority of Bikeability training is delivered in schools for free (or for a minor fee), due to the Department of Transport having funded the scheme. The department invites local authorities and School Games Organiser Host Schools to apply for the funds for the scheme from them each year.

How Much Does Bikeability Cost? 

The costs for participating in Bikeability vary depending on whether it is being delivered in school or independently. If delivered independently, you will need to contact your local authority to receive a price for the training. In schools, Bikeability is often free or for a small donation.

In terms of Government funding, it is suggested that it costs £18.33 on average to train a child up to Level 2 of the Bikeability scheme. 

How to Find a Bikeability Course

You can find a Bikeability course in your area by visiting the directory on the Bikeability website.

Finding a Bikeability course near you is incredibly easy, as it should be! If your child’s school does not already offer the training, or the training is for someone else, you can find a course local to you by contacting your local authority. 

If you wish to learn to cycle or to become more proficient at it, but do not think Bikeability may be for you, then check out our handy guide here with tips and videos!

The post What is ‘Bikeability’? [New Cycling Proficiency Test Explained] appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>
https://discerningcyclist.com/what-is-bikeability-course-cost/feed/ 0
Which City Has the Most Cyclists? (Statistics) https://discerningcyclist.com/which-city-has-the-most-cyclists-statistics/ https://discerningcyclist.com/which-city-has-the-most-cyclists-statistics/#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2021 10:12:00 +0000 https://discerningcyclist.com/?p=11223 An image of Amsterdam with the text, "The biggest cycling cities"

One of the greatest global trends is that of urban mobility – i.e. the way people are moving around cities is changing. The days of cities clogged with cars is dying rapidly, while case studies in the likes of the…

The post Which City Has the Most Cyclists? (Statistics) appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>
An image of Amsterdam with the text, "The biggest cycling cities"

In Short…

Although the Netherlands has the highest number of cyclists per capita for a country, Copenhagen (in Denmark) beats Amsterdam to the crown for the city with the most cyclists per capita. Up to 62% of Copenhagen’s population use a bicycle daily, compared to 36% in Amsterdam.

One of the greatest global trends is that of urban mobility – i.e. the way people are moving around cities is changing.

The days of cities clogged with cars is dying rapidly, while case studies in the likes of the Netherlands and Denmark make a clear case for a people-first movement focussed around walking, cycling and other green means of travel.

As various cities (such as Manchester, UK), make the effort of expanding their infrastructure, cycling continues to be the most efficient and reliable form of urban mobility. Particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, cities globally have seen a spike of inhabitants opting to use a bicycle to commute to work and school.

But which city has the best cycling accommodations and therefore, the most cyclists?

Countries Where Cycling is the Most Popular

With 90% of its 16.8 million population being regular cyclists, it’s no surprise that the Netherlands is considered the most popular country for cycling. The Netherlands also boasts the highest number of cyclists per capita for over a century.

Meanwhile, the UK ranks among the worst for the number of regular cyclists. With an average of only 8% of the population claiming to cycle more than three times a week. Yet, this did almost double in light of the COVID-19 pandemic – see more on this below.

Illustration of countries with the most cyclists

Which Countries Have the Most Cyclists (Top 5)

There are estimated to be about 1 billion bicycles globally. By 2050, this could double, with over 50% of the population knowing how to ride a bike. The record-holding country for the most cyclists is the Netherlands, with some of its European neighbors following closely behind.

Mainland Europe evidently takes the reign when it comes to cycling:

countrypopulationbicyclescyclists
Netherlands16,652,80016,500,000~99.1%
Denmark5,560,6284,500,000~80.1%
Germany81,802,00062,000,000~75.8%
Sweden9,418,7326,000,000~63.7%
Norway4,943,0003,000,000~60.7%

To put the above numbers into perspective, here are the statistics for the UK and the USA in comparison:

countrypopulationbicyclescyclists
USA310,936,000100,000,000~32.2%
UK68,281,7988,900,000~16%

For the UK, the percentage of cyclists has only recently increased to ~16%, with much of this growth having been a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Two female cyclists riding bicycles down a street in copenhagen
Cyclist in Copenhagen. (Photo: Copenhagen)

Which City Uses Bikes the Most?

While the Netherlands is the country with the most cyclists per capita, the city with the most cyclists is actually Copenhagen, Denmark. Up to 62% of Copenhagen’s population use a bicycle for their daily commute to work or school, and they cycle an average of 894,000 miles every day.

Copenhagen has built up an extraordinary momentum for cyclists in the city over the past 20 years. In the city, there are currently four bicycle-specific bridges either already built or amidst construction (including the Alfred Nobel’s Bridge), as well as 104 miles of brand-new regional cycling roads and 5.5 metre wide bike lanes on its newer routes. That is equivalent to more than £30 per capita in cycling infrastructures. 

However, with Copenhagen ranking at 90.4%, Amsterdam at 89.3%, and Ultrecht at 88.4% in terms of cyclist accessibility in the Copenhagenize Index of 2019, the competition to be the best cycling city is incredibly close.


Denmark and Netherlands marked on map as big cycling countries
Denmark and Netherlands have put cycling on the map.

The Most Bicycle-Friendly Country

Denmark overthrows all in terms of being the most bicycle-friendly country globally. As per the previously-mentioned Copenhagenize Index of 2019, which ranks cities based on their streetscape, culture, and ambition for cyclists, Copenhagen itself ranks above all with a score of 90.4%.

As perhaps the best cycling city, not just in its own country, but also the entire world, Copenhagen overtook Amsterdam (Netherlands) back in 2015 and has only improved the accessibility for cyclists ever since. Yet, as of 2019, the difference between the two cities has only been by a small margin of 0.9%. When the next Copenhagenize Index is released this year, there is every chance that we could see the Netherlands regain the top spot as the most bicycle friendly country.

If you think it is now perhaps time that you opt to cycle more, check out our visual guide to find out which bike might be best for your daily commute.

The post Which City Has the Most Cyclists? (Statistics) appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.

]]>
https://discerningcyclist.com/which-city-has-the-most-cyclists-statistics/feed/ 1