Cycling Is Huge Right Now; What Will Make It Stick?

Much has been made about the surge in cycling over the past few months. As millions around the world seek a way to safely commute and exercise amidst a world pandemic, the humble bicycle is having its day. 

We’ve highlighted some of the structural changes governments have made to push cycling as a way to free up public transportation and reduce the risk of spreading a second wave of coronavirus in countries that seem to have flattened the curve. France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and cities in the United States have closed roads to cars and opened them to bikes, created pop-up bike lanes, and even toyed with permanently closing hundreds of kilometers of road to support safer cycling. 

But what are some other ways cities can make the pandemic push a long-term change? Around the world, we’re seeing some creative short-term measures that could be implemented on a larger scale and forever, not just until we find something like normal. 

One of the best ideas is to help cycling become more accessible through reimbursements. Italy, for one, is already offering a stipend for cyclists for free or reduced bicycle repairs. The system covers the costs of basic bicycle maintenance to reward commuters. The money stays between the government and approved bike shops, making it relatively tough to abuse. They could go further by offering a similar program for new bicycle purchases, subsidizing safety equipment like helmets and lights, even incorporating these incentives into tax refunds. 

Safety seems to the theme of keeping cycling viable and popular in the long run. As good as pop-up bike lakes are, turning these into well-designed and well-marked paths requires investment, and that may be a challenge for cities already preparing for budget hits in 2020 and beyond. Still, cycling investment is often less expensive and offers a great return because its benefits offer much more than just the ability of getting people from Point A to Point B. The value of having a healthy population is extremely important and reduces costs and strain on a healthcare system already hurting from plunging income from elective surgeries and procedures. 

The environmental element can’t be ignored, either. In just months, carbon emissions have fallen 17% globally, an improvement that shows just how much car and truck traffic contributes to climate change. A combination of electric vehicles, more efficient traffic thanks to fewer drivers, and more bikes replacing cars could help countries meet their climate commitments. 

Over the coming months, we will see just how much staying power cycling has as a replacement or an auxiliary to driving. With lockdowns easing around the globe, citizens everywhere will have the chance to fall back into habits or cling to new ones. When you walk into the garage on November 1, will you start your Monday commute on a bike or behind the wheel?