We live in such an amazingly beautiful place. Snow-capped mountains, tall trees and friendly, quiet neighbourhoods are all hallmarks of life on the Shore.
It’s a pity that road congestion so often makes other news and views take a backseat. There are forms of transportation, however, that exist harmoniously with the natural world and our neighbourhoods.
Here are seven reasons why we think cycling helps make the North Shore an even better place to live.
1. Bikes are the ultimate zero-emission vehicle.
We’re fortunate to have cleaner air than many cities, but after several days of dry weather, the air pollution is visible over our region. Cycling contributes to cleaner air by taking pollution-emitting vehicles off the road. Having fewer cars on the road results in less traffic congestion, which in turn further reduces pollution, making our roads and cities more pleasant for everyone.
2. Bikes take up less space.
On the road and while parked, bikes require less physical space than cars. Portland’s highly successful bike corral program – like the racks outside of Crema in West Vancouver on Bellevue – has helped local businesses increase customer street parking ten-fold. Each bicycle corral accommodates a dozen bicycles, and four horses, replacing a single parking space. On-street corrals also free up sidewalk space for people walking, although there is the issue of horse patties.
3. Bikes make for healthier people.
Cycling on a regular basis increases longevity, strengthens the immune system, and reduces heart disease, osteoporosis, arthritis and a host of other maladies, not to mention making you taller. Ever notice how all those Dutch people are tall? Now you know why.
Replacing a car or transit commute with a cycling commute is also great for energy and productivity at work and school. A 2015 article in the American Journal of Public Health determined that in Holland, cycling prevents approximately 6,500 deaths each year, and that people who cycle live for half a year longer than their non-cycling counterparts. The researchers calculate that the health benefits correspond to more than three per cent of the Dutch gross domestic product. Three per cent of Canada’s GDP equals $53 billion per year. That’s a lot of Aspirin.
4. Bikes make neighbourhoods more social.
When cycling, it’s easy to engage with your neighbours and to make stops at shops or parks on a whim. You’re not trapped by lack of parking or traffic. Just hop off and boom, there you are patting the neighbours’ dog and talking about – well, other neighbours, of course. We’ve enjoyed many spontaneous conversations with neighbours, other people on bikes and people walking. Cycling is a great way to explore what a neighbourhood has to offer without being intrusive. As well, events that foster community for people interested in cycling take place year-round. In April some of us attended the beautiful cherry blossom rides.
5. Bikes are quiet!
Living in the city, we hardly notice how noisy vehicles are anymore. They are part of our “noise landscape.” We have rare opportunities to enjoy quiet, relaxing main streets during parades and car-free festivals. The fewer cars we have, the less noise pollution – and the more we can listen to what really counts: birds, kids playing, rushing creeks and the wind in the trees.
6. Biking supports the local economy.
While a few cyclists might have cargo bikes that can accommodate the 36-pack of chicken you can get at Costco for five bucks, not many will pedal that far from the North Shore for a such a “deal.” Most people who shop and cycle shop locally, and they shop more often, because they carry only what they can pedal up Lonsdale. Also, biking costs a lot less than driving or transit, leaving you with more money in the pocket to spend locally. Restaurants, coffee shops and craft breweries seem popular places to rid oneself of the extra cash saved by cycling. Alternatively, your savings can help you afford a mortgage or rent on the North Shore.
7. And finally, people who cycle have more sex appeal.
Cycling makes the North Shore all the more “attractive.” We don’t need to explain the benefits of toned calves and buns, sun-kissed skin, or the athletic endurance of people who regularly ride bikes. That said, cycling is for anybody and everybody. See you on the Spirit Trail!
This week’s Pedal Pushers column was written by guest writer Erika Rathje. The Pedal Pushers are Dan Campbell, Antje Wahl, Anita Leonhard and Heather Drugge, four North Shore residents who use their bikes for transportation. [email protected]
