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FOUR TYPES OF CYCLISTS
From Forbes: Researchers at McGill University in Montreal have divided cyclists into four types:
Path-using cyclists (36 percent) are motivated by the fun of riding, its convenience, and the identity that cycling gives them. They’d rather use a continuous route, rather than dodge cars. They were actively encouraged by their parents to ride for fitness and to get places.
Dedicated cyclists (24 percent) are motivated by speed, predictability and flexibility that bike trips offer. These cyclists are the least likely to be deterred by the weather. They aren’t as interested in bike paths, and actually enjoy riding in traffic. The researchers say these cyclists consider riding to be an important part of their identity.
Fairweather utilitarians (23 percent) are just that. They like to ride in good weather, and they’ll take another form of transportation in rain or snow. These are also bike path users, and they don’t necessarily see themselves as cyclists.
Leisure cyclists (17 percent) ride because it is fun, and not as much for commuting. They prefer bike paths, don’t like to deal with traffic, and want to feel safe, especially when riding with family members.
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SIX LESSONS REGARDING WOMEN AND BIKES
Even in Portland, people who really ought to know better still claim now and then that biking is a thing for young dudes. …
That’s why there’s a lot to celebrate in a new report by the League of American Bicyclists that rounds up dozens of statistics about women and bikes. Culled from industry reports, political polls and academic studies, a few of the report’s figures are pretty surprising…
Like this:
1) All U.S. growth in occasional bike riding
seems to be happening among women.
… the number of American men and boys who ride at least occasionally (at least six times per year) has completely flatlined. A National Sporting Goods Association web survey of 38,000 households found that the number of males who ride is stuck at 20.2 million, despite national population growth of 8 percent over the same period.
More lessons here.
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AND ONE LEARNING EXPERIENCE IN NEW YORK
From City Journal: Some thoughts on cycling around Manhattan
Though Nicole Gelinas reported on the introduction of CitiBike, she didn’t expect to become a rider in the city.
From what I’ve seen so far, Citi Bike has proved a phenomenal success. The program was designed for people like me: atypical bikers. I’m a woman, whereas the traditional urban biker is a man, and I’m risk-averse, while urban bikers are more often risk-takers. I’m in reasonable shape, but I’m no fitness fanatic. Finally, I live in Manhattan and make many short trips around town on foot or via bus or subway.
In this appealing essay, she explains what happened.
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