High Cost of Gasoline Boosts Bicycle Use

Pedal Power, a Greener Option and Saves on Gasoline

© Laurence O'Sullivan

Public Bike Sharing in Barcelona, Courtesy Marcbel
The increasing cost of gasoline and concerns over global warming are giving a new lease of life to the bicycle. Bike use is being encouraged across the globe.

One of the oldest modes of modern transport, the bicycle is now been seen as not only a healthy alternative to the automobile, but a means to combat global warming, while at the same time as a possible antidote to the high cost of gasoline.

Boost in Bicycle Manufacture

According to a report filed by Ralph Jennings for Reuters on May 13, 2008, on the increasing demand for bicycles, “Giant, the Taipei-based maker of international bicycle brands such as Boulder, Yukon and Iguana, is reaping the profits. The company, which produced 5.5 million bikes in 2007, is expected to pull in $1 billion in sales this year, up 10 percent.” For a variety of reasons people are rediscovering the bicycle and it is being reflected across the world in increased production of bicycles. With the introduction of new materials and new technology, bicycles are becoming more consumer friendly all the time.

Bicycle Use Increase

Because of the public perception of cycling as inherently healthy and also as a very environmentally friendly means of transport plus its increasing cost advantages over gasoline fueled vehicles bicycle use has increased over most of the developed world. A report carried by the Earth Policy Institute, titled “Bicycles Pedaling Into the Spotlight”, carried on May 12, 2008, by J. Matthew Roney, states “The world produced an estimated 130 million bicycles in 2007—more than twice the 52 million cars produced.” In the UK, statistics compiled by The National Cycle Network Route User Monitoring Report of 2007, shows that over 354 million trips were made on the Network in 2007, an increase of 4.7% on the previous year.

World Bicycle Schemes

Many authorities, cities, states and countries now recognize the role that bicycles can play, not only in relieving growing traffic congestion, but to people’s health and to the planet’s overall well being.

Of all the types of alternative transport, from hybrid cars to flexi-fuel vehicles, from public transport to hydrogen fueled autos, bicycle use is by far the one with the most advantages. It is healthy, cuts out traffic congestion, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and with ever increasing gasoline prices, it is by far the cheapest means of transport.


The copyright of the article High Cost of Gasoline Boosts Bicycle Use in Saving Energy is owned by Laurence O'Sullivan. Permission to republish High Cost of Gasoline Boosts Bicycle Use in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


Public Bike Sharing in Barcelona, Courtesy Marcbel
Dutch Free Bike Station, Courtesy Ellywa
Lyon Public Bike Station, Courtesy Frédéric Bonifas
Mountain Bike, Courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Racing Bike, Courtesy Niteowlneils



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