09/27/2024
If you want to know what freedom feels like then ask a cyclist. Cycling allows one to see the world through a different lens than you would if you were in an automobile such as a car.
There are so many advantages of cycling for the individual as well as the environment. The cyclist can avoid traffic jams and be able to breeze through bike paths and Greenways. Cycling also cuts carbon emissions as one of the advantages to the communities thus the environment.
One of the things that we would like to look at is, what cities are the most bike friendly and why?
Here are some reasons and why.
The percentage of bicycle users
“North Carolina is ranked 41st in the country for bicycling commute rates, but some communities have much higher rates. For example, Carrboro, a suburb of Chapel Hill, has a bicycle mode share of over 5%, which is one of the highest in the country. Carrboro is also considered the most bikeable city in North Carolina, with many cyclist-friendly neighborhoods that have bike lanes.
In general, 32% of Americans over the age of 3 rode a bicycle in the past year, and 29% rode for recreation.”
BikeWalkNC.ORG
https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/walkbikenc/default.aspx #:~:text=Find%20Out%20More%20%E2%80%BA-,Mobility,rates%20in%20nationwide%20state%20rankings.
https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/walkbikenc/pillars-of-plan/mobility/default.aspx
Weather conditions
bikewalkNC.org
https://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/walkbikenc/default.aspx #:~:text=Find%20Out%20More%20%E2%80%BA-,Mobility,rates%20in%20nationwide%20state%20rankings.
Crime and Safety (such as accidents and bike related theft rates)
Where bike thefts occur: In the US, about 60% of bike thefts happen in public places like parks, sidewalks, and parking lots, while 40% happen in private spaces like garages and yards.
What bikes are stolen: Thieves are most likely to target bikes that are expensive-looking or can be easily sold, such as mountain bikes and road bikes. Bikes with practical features like mudguards, such as hybrids and roadsters, are less likely to be stolen.
How to prevent bike theft: To prevent bike theft, you can keep your bike locked inside if you have space at home.
What parts are stolen: The most commonly stolen bike parts are wheels, seats, and lights.
How many stolen bikes are recovered: Nearly half of all stolen bikes are recovered by law enforcement.
Infrastructure
Bicycle infrastructure can improve cycling in many ways, including:
Safety
Protected bike lanes, off-street trails, and cycle tracks keep cyclists safe from cars by separating them from the right-of-way. Studies have shown that protected bike lanes reduce the risk of collisions for both cyclists and pedestrians.
Health
Bicycle infrastructure can promote physical activity and healthier populations.
Economy
Improved bicycle infrastructure can improve the economies of surrounding neighborhoods. For example, in Salt Lake City, stores located along a protected bike lane saw an 8.8% increase in sales, compared to a 7% increase citywide.
Emissions
Bicycle infrastructure can reduce emissions. Project Drawdown estimates that bike infrastructure could reduce 2.31 gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050.
Inclusivity
Bicycle infrastructure can be designed to be inclusive of all users, including people who use assistive devices, pedestrians, and people of all ages and abilities.
Cost
Bicycle infrastructure is a cost-effective solution.
Some examples of bicycle infrastructure include:
Bike lanes
Bicycle parking and storage facilities
Curb extensions
Intersection treatments for bicycles
Landscaping
Paved shoulders
Pedestrian- and bicyclist-scale lighting
Trails or shared-use paths
Bike sharing opportunities
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle-sharing_system
Special events (such as no car days)
New Hanover County has some beautiful parks. Therefore that creates quality infrastructure for promoting events that can allow people to become more interested in cycling, such as no car days/car free days https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car-free_days
Most of the terrain in Wilmington is flat therefore makes it ideal for street bikes because they are built for smooth flat surfaces. There also are some excellent bike paths and greenways that are designed for cyclists that like to go off road and they are safe. The average speed for an automobile in the city limits of Wilmington is 35 miles per hour. With Cross City trail and River to the Sea Bikeway, they make for ideal safeways for cyclists. Bike sharing lowers the rate of bike thefts. Safety is the main issue.
NC in general does not have harsh winters as they do in the northern cities so snow is not as big of an issue in NC as it is in some Northern cities.
What is the percentage of cyclists in New Hanover County and NC? (What is our safety score?)
Invest into quality cycling infrastructure and bike sharing.
What is the fatality rate in New Hanover County and NC?
There are many events that promote cycling, including:
Bike to Work Day: Celebrated on the third Friday of May, and preceded by Bike to Work Week.
National Bike Month: Celebrated in May to recognize cycling as a key part of everyday life, transportation, and recreation.
National Ride A Bike Day: Celebrated on the first Sunday of May.
Walk Bike & Roll to School Day: Celebrated on May 8, 2024.
National Bike to School Day: Celebrated during the second week of May.
Bike Week: An annual celebration of cycling in early summer with events and rides across the country.
World Bicycle Day: Celebrated on June 3rd to highlight the benefits of cycling as a clean, affordable, and sustainable transportation option.
Community rides or walks: Special events that promote safe bicycling and walking.
Other ideas for cycling events include:
Bike breakfast
Fetes and community events
Repairs and servicing
Training courses
Maintenance training courses
Film night
On car-free days, people are encouraged to travel by means other than cars. Some cities, like Jakarta and Tehran, have weekly car-free days.[1] Other such days are annual. World Car Free Day is celebrated on September 22. Organized events are held in some cities and countries.[2]
