August 2023
Biking is an easy-to-adapt transportation mode. Many people learn how to bike early, plus bicycles are relatively cheap and easy to store, repair and maintain.
Also, remember that you could travel faster by bike for a short distance by avoiding traffic jams.
So, it is all about making the switch. ;) Here is the how-to to help you get started.
THE ADVANTAGES OF RIDING A BIKE
Let’s start by looking at the many advantages of riding a bike.
Bicycling is environmentally friendly.
Biking is often faster than cars, streetcars, buses and trains for short distances in cities. Up to five kilometres, the bike is unbeatable in time. Just think of:
You can always park directly at your destination,
you don't have to look for a parking space,
and you can always start/ end your journey when you are ready.
Useful accessories like weatherproof clothing and trailers make bicycling suitable for all seasons and occasions.
Bike paths save stress in after-work traffic, and the daily commute keeps you fit.
How to adapt biking to our everyday mobile life
If you have the means to do so and live in an area with the infrastructure for it, consider biking as one of your primary modes of transportation. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:
It's not worth buying a bike if I don't know if I'll use it. True, you have a point! In many cities, renting a bike or using bike-sharing is an option to get familiar with biking and explore this means of transportation. Why don't you start with that?
Make you feel safe:
Learn how to bike.
Learn the proper road rules and etiquette for biking in your country.
Wear a helmet. But wait, the hairstyle should not be damaged!? How about a helmet that wears like a scarf around the shoulders and simply inflates when needed, like an airbag?
Get started to replace the car with a bike to cover short distances.
Don’t put yourself under pressure. Get started to bike when the weather is nice, only.
Make you feel comfortable, and ensure you have the right gear for every weather. Learn all about Sustainable Fashion →.
Make biking your essential means of commuting. A great way to keep you motivated is by joining bike-to-work initiatives. Here is a list of EU-based groups which help promote bike-to-work activities.
Don’t you have the time for regular exercise? What about making biking a part of your exercise routine?
What kind of bicycle is for you?
Many bicycle types are available, but research shows hybrid, folding, and cruiser bikes are ideal for everyday commuting. Cargo bikes provide the option to carry other extra loads, such as small children and supplies - a standard in European cities.
To help you find the right bike for your habits, think about the following points:
Think about what you will use the bike for. To commute to work, do the shopping, go out in the evening, and take the children to kindergarten? Or just for cycling in the holidays and at weekends?
What does your route look like? Stony, hilly, etc.
On which type of bike do you sit well and feel safe?
Do you have to transport something now and then? Is it worth having a car for that? Maybe it's cheaper to rent a car for those few times? And, consider, for transporting larger items, you can rent cargo bikes in many cities, for example on cargobike.now.
Sustainable bike
Biking alone is a sustainable option, but there are still ways in which you can further increase the environmental benefit of bicycle use:
As the production process of bikes might leave a high environmental footprint, you can opt for second-hand bikes or bikes made of eco-friendly materials such as bamboo to make biking more sustainable.
Where you get sustainable single bicycles
You can obtain your next bike via second-hand bike stores or internet markets. Websites such as Bike Soup, BikeFair and Becycled could be starting points for buying and selling second-hand bikes all around Europe.
Do you prefer a brand-new sustainable bike? Here are some brands that you may want to check out:
For regular bikes, check producers such as Enigma bikes, Pashley Cycles, Racer Rosa
And here are some sustainable European cargo bike brands: Velove, Bullitt, Gazelle, Omnium, and PilenDouze.
Electric bike
E-bikes have been a growing trend during the past few years since they offer the convenience of
avoiding public transport hassles,
sweat-free commuting,
as well as easy operation and maintenance.
Even though the lithium-ion batteries installed in most e-bikes are responsible for CO2 emissions, they can still be an eco-friendly alternative to cars. When electricity for charging the batteries comes from renewable energy sources such as solar, their environmental effect is unbeatable.
Where TO find e-bikes?
In most bigger European cities, some stores sell electric bikes. You can also buy them in online stores, such as ternbicycles.com, stroembikes.com, or bike-discount.de.
Check out the appropriate producers' homepages; many provide maps indicating the next local dealer for their products.
Here are some exemplary e-bike brands to help you kick off your search: Angell, Schindelhauer, Cake, Coboc
Always keep in mind that, same as with regular cars, the most sustainable option is to opt for second-hand electronic bikes. Bigger European cities have shops dedicated to second-hand e-bikes only. Another option is specialised online marketplaces or even Facebook groups for second-hand e-bikes.
LEarn more
Check our sources: Bibliography →
