Global bike sales are soaring - Tip-Off

Parks & Recreation, Oct, 2002

In 2000, world bicycle production climbed to 101 million, more than double the 41 million cars produced. "Sales of bikes are soaring because they provide affordable mobility for billions of people, increase physical fitness, alleviate traffic congestion and do not pollute the air or emit climate-disrupting carbon dioxide," notes an Earth Policy Institute article by Lester R. Brown and Janet Larsen.

"A half-century ago," the article continues, "it was widely expected that automobile production would quickly exceed that of bicycles. Indeed, by 1965, car production, which had been growing rapidly since World War II, was poised to overtake bicycle production. But it never did. Mounting environmental concerns slowed the growth in car output and accelerated that of bikes. Between 1969 and 1970, the year of the first Earth Day, bike sales jumped from 25 million to 36 million."

The growing epidemic of obesity and other diseases of sedentary living make it increasingly important that citizens are encouraged to be physically active. Bicycle-friendly communities, with safe trails that lead to popular destinations--both business and pleasure--can improve the health of their citizens.

For more information on how to promote bicyles for mobility and exercise, see www.earth-policy. org/Updates/Upate13.htm.