Bicycling for Transportation: A Comparative Study of US, UK, and European Adults
While the idea that all American cyclists stop riding when obtaining a driver's license at 16 may be a popular notion, it is far from the case. My journey as a cyclist, born and raised in the US, but having lived in the UK for many years and riding in several European countries, reveals a more nuanced reality. This article explores common cycling habits and attitudes across these regions, with a focus on transportation use.
Common Myths and Realities
The statement that all US cyclists stop at 16 is a false premise. It reflects an overarching but not universal pro-car attitude in the US. However, it ignores the diversity within the US cycling community and the varied reasons why individuals continue to cycle well into adulthood. For instance, I started seriously riding my bike at the age of 16, but my cycling for transportation escalated significantly post 16 years. My mileage notably increased as I commuted between home, school, and work, often covering 20 to 26 miles each way with my bikes.
Transportation Biking in the US
Even though I had a driver's license, cycling remained a vital mode of transportation. Commuting to a job 16 miles from school, then 10 miles home, and even 35 miles to and from college classes, were all part of my regular routine. My mobile bike racks allowed me to transport multiple bikes for various purposes, catering to both my everyday commutes and weekend races or training rides. A case in point is when I had to commute 20 miles each day to my workplace, yet chose to do a 30 to 60-mile training ride to begin a 10-hour workday. This demonstrates the flexibility and reliability of cycling for extended distances when the weather and physical conditions permit.
Adapting to Different Regions
A prominent aspect of my cycling experience is the transition to the UK and cycling in various European countries. In the UK, cycling for transportation, while less common, is still prevalent among professionals and students. In European cities, the landscape is more supportive of cycling, with dedicated bike lanes and infrastructure. However, in many rural areas, cyclists face significant challenges due to the lack of cycling infrastructure and car-centric road networks.
Global Cycling Culture
When I joined online cycling forums and spaces on platforms like Quora, the scope of global cycling culture became evident. There are far more cyclists who utilize bikes for transportation and recreation than the initial impression might suggest. For example, during a recent year, I achieved 10,000 miles, which was my lowest mileage for the past six years. Yet, within this group, I found numerous individuals achieving over 20,000 miles a year. This stark difference underscores the diversity within the cycling community and the varying motivations for cycling.
Comprehensive Cycling Community
The online cycling page for individuals over 50 includes cyclists from diverse backgrounds such as Americans, Canadians, Australians, Brits, Indians, Europeans, Africans, Asians, and more. While some members, like me, are competitive cyclists, a significant portion is composed of casual enthusiasts. We vary in age, from young adults to senior citizens, but share a common love for cycling. My current age of 50 makes me younger than most members, yet I continue to set mileage records that many others significantly surpass.
Conclusion
In essence, the notion that US cyclists stop at 16 is an overgeneralization. Cycles of transportation often continue well into adulthood, driven by personal preferences, infrastructure availability, and recreational interests. Understanding the nuances of cycling habits across different regions is crucial for promoting a more inclusive and supportive cycling culture.