The Simple Solution

In a fast-paced world, where nearly everyone is concerned with time, money, and efficiency, transportation is the last thing on anyone’s mind. For many, the word transportation is almost automatically linked the word car. For example, when daily errands such as going to the grocery store need to be done, a mother will simply grab her keys, walk to the car, and start the ignition. When a teenager wakes up late for school and needs to make the 8 A.M. homeroom bell, they call a taxi. Cars have been considered a necessity as well as a basic means of transportation to conveniently travel from one place to another in a short amount of time. However, in this world concerned with development and efficiency, we also face challenges such as global warming and pollution. Despite improvements in technology intended to cut back on fuel emissions, people continue to drive their cars irresponsibly. As a result, global warming continues to become a greater threat to future generations, and pollution remains a problem that will one day no longer be avoidable. However, a simple, efficient, and inexpensive solution lies within a two-wheeled, simple means of transportation: the bicycle.

Bicycle use has a wide range of benefits, including exercise, decreased pollution, and convenient transportation. Bikes offer a great opportunity to exercise on the go, and encourage physical activity throughout the day. Statistically, children today are less active than ever before. According to the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, about 1 in 3 children in the United States, ages 2-19, are overweight or obese. Bikes will not solve the issue overnight; however, if bikes were to become widespread, children may be encouraged to engage in more physical activity, leading to a healthier lifestyle. Another benefit of bike use is a decrease in pollution, which remains a serious issue that is often overlooked. On a greater scale, if bikes were to become a popular way to travel, pollution rates could decrease over an extended period of time. This may not solve the connected issue of global warming right away; however, it is one step towards improving human affects on the environment. Bicycle use offers a means of convenient transportation as well. Although not necessarily practical for traveling long distances, they are a great way to travel within a town or city. With no exhaust or worries of paying for gas, bicycles offer a true environmentally-friendly means of transportation. Even better, parts such as rubber tires can be reused or recycled for other uses. From exercise to decreased pollution rates, bike use could benefit not only the user but also the community and environment.

Imagine a world where bicycles are more common to see than cars; a world with out the impatient sounds of honking horns, or the smell of fuel exhaust in the air. It’s difficult to imagine bicycle usage becoming popular, especially in today’s society where many teenagers expect a brand new car for their birthday, not a brand new bike. However, there are ways to promote increased bicycle usage among all age groups. If society would encourage bike use and educate the public on its benefits, we could increase the number of bikes on the road, not the number of gas-guzzling, polluting vehicles. Offering enough bike racks at schools and public places for people to park their bicycles, as well as offering incentives could also promote widespread bike use. For example, just as grocery stores in Skopje charge for plastic bags to encourage individuals to bring reusable bags, they could also charge for using a car, or give discounts to customers who choose to use their bikes. Government support could also encourage the public to consider bicycle over car use. An issue for many bike riders is limited space to travel on roads. Government support could lead to a separate lane for bike riders, ensuring a safe, fast lane for them to travel while further encourage individuals to invest in bicycles.

Promoting widespread bicycle use is a challenge, but it is not impossible. Bike use offers a wide range of benefits for each community as well as the environment we all share. By encouraging individuals to choose bikes over cars, and gradually promoting bike use by educating the public and offering incentives, we can improve our environment and help future generations make the right choices concerning transportation.