自行车出行减少

Bicycles were once a primary travel option for most people, but their use for daily commuting has declined sharply globally despite their well-documented health, environmental and financial benefits. This trend stems from two core reasons, and targeted measures can reverse this pattern.

The first key cause is the inefficiency of cycling for modern long-distance travel. As cities expand, many people live tens of kilometres away from their workplaces or schools; a 40-minute car commute can take 2 hours or more by bike, making it impractical for those with tight schedules. The second reason is safety concerns. Most urban roads prioritize motor vehicles, with few separated cycle lanes, so cyclists face risks from reckless drivers and poor weather conditions. For instance, a 2023 transport survey in my city found that 68% of residents gave up cycling after near-misses with cars on shared roads.

To encourage more cycling, governments should first build dedicated, connected cycle lanes separated from motor traffic, and add weather-shielded sections for extreme weather. Copenhagen’s extensive cycle network, which covers 400km of separated lanes, has led 62% of its residents to cycle to work daily. Second, employers can offer small incentives: subsidized bike purchases, secure on-site bike parking, or extra flexible time for employees who commute by bike. For example, a tech company in my city offers 200 yuan monthly to cycling commuters, cutting its staff’s driving rate by 30% in one year.

Overall, cycling’s decline is caused by low travel efficiency and safety risks, but well-designed infrastructure and small incentive schemes can effectively bring this low-carbon, healthy travel mode back to people’s daily lives.