Downtown street with separated transportation modes. Austin, Texas. Feb 2012. Photo by HJEH Becker
Travel provides opportunities for understanding various approaches of cities for fostering the use of cycling for transportations and stimulating cycling traffic growth. Recently, a visit to Austin Texas provided such an opportunity to experience that city’s efforts. Some of the cycling advancements that stood out included:
Network– Density of cycling facilities within the urban core
Social cycling with painted buffer. Austin, Texas. Feb 2012. Photo by HJEH Becker
Infrastructure – Designing for social cycling; back-in, drive-out car parking adjacent to bike lanes; and traffic circles (small roundabouts) designs for reducing conflict and providing mini-parks.
City’s approach to cycling– Forward thinking of cycling staff – including narrower traffic lanes; the responsibility of cycling facilities within the city assigned to one group, no matter the public ownership of lands (municipal, parks, etc.); and ordinances supporting safe cycling – passing laws.
Back-in, drive-out parking on retail street with bike lane. Austin, Texas. Feb 2012. Photo by HJEH Becker
Trip notes
Third Wave Cycling Blog 
A city’s mobility pattern says a lot about how its constituent communities live. Smart cities with a vision of growth for the future have already begun investing in cycling. The objective is to increase the happiness quotient.
Communities forced to breathe in exhaust fumes will be stifled.
More power to the urban planner who incorporates cycling into the mobility options of a city!
I have never ridden a bike that was comfortable. Bending over, neck strain, butt rub,tight clothes, what is to love about biking? Rude auto drivers run you off the road, one sucks pollution into one’s lungs–especially in the cities, and what is pleasant about peddling in hotter than hell weather? Sure the concept is great and green, yet bliss, NOT. Convince me otherwise.
Hope you enjoy other regular physical activities for health and fun. That’s the most important thing of all. Just to let you know, Toronto does have humid hot summers where it reaches over 85-90 degrees F with 100% humidity. I lived, worked and returned to cycling there in my early 30’s. My bikes (I have 4) have a more upright geometry so I’m not using dropped down handlebars.
And I’ve been at it since 2002. For me it works, since I don’t like jogging: seems too slow to me and more uncomfortable. In fact, joggers with knee problems, turn to cycling for cardiovascular exercise, because it’s not so hard on their body.
With best wishes to you.
I wonder if there is any perfect spot for summering on this planet. I ride a horse for exercise,during the cooler months, as the rural roads here are so narrow, I fear for my life on a bicycle. Drivers are not bike friendly either. Open fields are food for the spirit. Thanks for your comment. Be safe out there.