Independent UK: The age of the bicycle

[marmar]

Britain is on the brink of a freewheeling revolution. A bicycle boom is under way across the UK, with more and more people rediscovering the joy of two wheels rather than four. Sales of bikes have soared and cyclists are travelling further, according to latest figures. The rise of pedal power is poised to accelerate, as cities from Bristol to York invest millions of pounds in new cycling infrastructure.

New government research reveals that the number of miles cycled on average last year leapt 10 per cent, while the average distance rose 17 per cent. While bike sales have gone up by more than 25 per cent in the past three years, spending on new cars fell by 13 per cent in the same period, according to the National Travel Survey.

The upward trend has been most marked in the south of England: 8 per cent of inner London residents and one in 25 workers in the South-east and South-west say they cycle to work, according to the survey, which interviewed around 20,000 people.

But it is not only commuters who are behind the increase. Organisers of sportive events such as the Forest of Dean Classic, held around Monmouth, or next month's Tour of Worcestershire, have reported record demand for places from amateur cycling enthusiasts. It took only seven minutes for 300 extra places for the 190km Verenti Dragon Ride, held in South Wales in June, to sell out, while 4,500 riders saddled up for the 130km Etape Caledonia in Perthshire in May, 50 per cent more than last year.

Patrick Trainor, who promotes sports rides for organisations such as Wheels in Wheels, said cyclists are entering events to test themselves without racing. "Sportives make riding in different places attractive as the route is marked out for you and nutrition and back-up are taken care of," he said. A host of smaller events, including the Independent's own inaugural London to Brighton Bike Ride on 11 September, have sprung up to cater for the increase in interest. ..........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/the-age-of-the-bicycle-2040604.html

[Kolesar]

1. I have a celeste Bianchi also

It's a dream machine.

[msongs]

2. unfortunately riding a bike in so cal is potential suicide. nt

[JackintheGreen]

3. I would have thought so too

But I have been cycling in India the part few months, and while traffic isn't as fast as it is in socal, it certainly is more eratic. You might be surprised how very not dead you end up. 'course I could be wrong about that.

[marginlized]

4. My Bianchi

[Merlot]

6. I had a red Bianchi...sold it to a college student about 10 years ago

boy do I miss it. Bianchi's are beautiful.

[Subdivisions]

5. I agree, marmar. This is yet another sign of things to come. n/t