According to reports, a recent bicycle boom has emerged in Portland, Oregon, USA, quickly spreading to cities and towns across the country, gaining strong support from both the public and authorities.
Americans are widely participating in cycling. Interviews show that in such a highly industrialized country as the United States, bicycles are no longer just a tool for leisure and exercise, but are gradually becoming an important alternative to cars. Many companies have specifically built facilities such as bike parking, maintenance equipment, and changing rooms to encourage employees to commute by bicycle.
Data shows that over the past two years, the number of bicycles on the roads in Portland, Oregon, has increased by 250%, compared to a 166% rise in the Washington area. The public's preference for this two-wheeled mode of transport is growing day by day, and even the cold winter months have not stopped cyclists from taking to the roads.
There are many reasons behind the bicycle craze in the United States, such as rising fuel prices, which have forced more people to opt for bicycles; the increasing environmental awareness among the public, the ongoing green movement, and strong advocacy by leaders at all levels to reduce fossil fuel consumption, all of which have contributed to the rise of this clean mode of transportation. Some people view cycling as a unique experience that combines exercise and adventure.
At the same time, the popularity of bicycles in the United States has also provided a timely solution for municipal leaders. The maintenance of public transportation infrastructure in the U.S. is in urgent need of substantial financial support. Facing domestic fiscal deficits and budget cuts, the boom in this energy-saving and traffic-easing two-wheeled mode of transport is undoubtedly a welcome development for leaders at all levels.
While the two-wheeled trend is gaining momentum in the United States, the accompanying issues are also drawing significant attention. For example, inadequate urban transportation infrastructure and the large number of bicycles on the road can lead to congestion; the number of cyclists killed in traffic accidents has also been rising year by year, increasing by 24% from 2003 to 2011. Only by strengthening the standardized management of bike lanes and improving road safety can the bicycle boom be sustained for a longer period and have a broader impact.