The rollercoaster of cycling popularity

[Willd]

Not too idle, they just don't like cycling. My social circle comprises of fit outdoor types, but riding a bike simply does not appeal to any of them.

I'd agree based on today's observations, more people jogging than out on bikes...

 

[cyberknight]

as i dont have a social circle i cant comment

 

[Alex321]

That partially sums it up - too much hassle.

Plus, even as a cyclist, cycling is pretty boring especially over the same old routes which is inevitable for utility cycling.

Some find it boring, some don't.

If I was getting bored by it, I would probably stop. But I enjoy my cycling, most of the time.

 

[Oldhippy]

Looking at Holland where utilitarian cycling is the norm the winters are colder and whilst you see the lycra clad road bike riders they are outnumbered by people just going about their day in regular clothes, they have outstanding infrastructure to make it easy. Again, I refer you to Bike Nation by Peter Walker. It has been proved again and again, if the right environment is there people will use it. OK, you'll never get everyone out of a car but many countries prove beyond doubt you can shop, work, even a plumber with the right bike and so many other things on a bicycle. The UK weirdly has a totally skewed view of cycling in general and one of many consequences is more ill health, more traffic, less decent public transport due to the overwhelming view that car is king and that the end of the discussion.

 

[Alex321]

Looking at Holland where utilitarian cycling is the norm the winters are colder and whilst you see the lycra clad road bike riders they are outnumbered by people just going about their day in regular clothes, they have outstanding infrastructure to make it easy. Again, I refer you to Bike Nation by Peter Walker. It has been proved again and again, if the right environment is there people will use it. OK, you'll never get everyone out of a car but many countries prove beyond doubt you can shop, work, even a plumber with the right bike and so many other things on a bicycle. The UK weirdly has a totally skewed view of cycling in general and one of many consequences is more ill health, more traffic, less decent public transport due to the overwhelming view that car is king and that the end of the discussion.

The Netherlands is more unusual than the UK, but you also have to remember that most of the Netherlands is pretty well flat. Which makes a big difference to cycling.

 

[Oldhippy]

@Alex321 agreed, but Germany, Holland, France, Spain, many South American countries and many others have superb cycling infrastructure and hills and mountains even, without the driving lobbies calling out 'war on motorists' we in the UK seem to live in a parallel universe where we watch other countries do these things and then give it a half ar#ed attempt then leave it claiming no one used it.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

Pandemic cycling was all about leisure. Something fun to do during lockdown while the sun is shining.

Fuel prices/shortages would drive utility cycling which is way more difficult and requires secure places to lock bikes, carrying capacity, the need to ride in locations that aren't nice, the need to do it when the weather isn't ideal and so on. That's a much harder sell.

I have been saying for years that the cycling industry as a whole has been pushing it as a leisure activity for years (and the pandemic created the perfect opportunity for this as you say). Problem is that it isn't really, it is more the preserve of commuting (alternative transport) or serious enthusiasts. There really isn't much middle ground with cycling.

My main gripe is that so many manufacturers used the post pandemic boom to ramp up prices; bikes, clothing, components. The problem was that the short term leisure consumer would always drift away and the long term cyclist (most of us on here I would guess) tend to resent the years of price gouging. As a result we are now seeing an industry with serious long term financial decline in effect.

 

[blackrat]

I'd agree based on today's observations, more people jogging than out on bikes...

All jogging needs is a pair of good running shoes, shorts and you are out the door. Cycling however is a HUGE expense and one has to be really into the sport/activity to stay with it. Around here most riders are into their middle age before they start Audaxing or riding recreational (here are NO commuters) and have the money to persevere. with it. I have spent thousands on bikes and only hundreds on running/hiking shoes.