How the bicycle can enhance sustainable transport

Abstract

Paper presented at the 28th Annual Southern African Transport Conference 6 - 9 July 2009 "Sustainable Transport", CSIR International Convention Centre, Pretoria, South Africa.

The bicycle has been voted mankind's greatest invention, so why does mankind not utilise this mode of sustainable transport more effectively in transportation planning -both urban and rural? Being affordable, non polluting and energy efficient, the bicycle is an ideal short distance mode to move people to transportation terminals (railway stations, bus terminals), schools, businesses and shopping malls. Every one of these trips will require safe routes for pedalling and secure lock up facilities at the destination. Regular commuters are not prepared to risk their lives to commute to work by bicycle unless their route offers reasonably safe conditions. There are many more bicycles sold in South Africa than motor vehicles and as the bicycle is defined as a "vehicle", more emphasis should be placed on integrating this sustainable mode into passenger transport planning. With the world anticipating 2 to 3 years of economic upheaval, it is time to create the necessary facilities for cycling to enhance sustainable transport to the benefit of all.