Cycling poll takes the pulse of LinkedIn community

Pro cyclists together with amateur riders, cycling enthusiasts, cycling professionals and parents share their opinion on cycling’s longstanding debate.?

With the explosion of the UK’s cycling scene since 2012, both the sport and the use of bikes as a method of transport has been steadily growing in diverse and wonderful ways. However, one stubborn point of tension remains that seems to creep up when cycling enthusiasts encounter the non-cycling public. This plays out through a contempt towards the humble bike and riders during commuting and riding for pleasure; sometimes we are just not shown respect on the roads.

               Photo by Tobias Cornille; IG: tobiascornille        

Firstly, let’s consider cycling as a method of transport.

Even though there is an economic factor with the high equipment costs associated with cycling, it is still cheaper than buying a second-hand car. Bikes are relatively cheap, efficient, and practical and the proliferation of bike-share schemes and bike subscription schemes means that increasingly there’s no longer the high upfront cost of owning one. Also, cycling infrastructure calms traffic and reduces injuries and fatalities. ?

                  Photo by Hannah Carr; IG: hannah123carr        

Secondly, let’s consider cycling as a sport.

Even though further progression in the sport involves a high upfront investment, these costs are common to a lot of individual sports and there is a lack of a better integrated support system at grassroot levels.

There is also the notion that it’s something for the rich elite, particularly as people progress into competition. However, there has been a growing momentum in recent years towards greater representation in advertising and the emergence of various initiatives to introduce cycling to underserved communities. This is a crucial step forward for the sport to be more inclusive and open. Cycling can be the vehicle to celebrate the diversity, accessibility, and creativity thriving in our communities.?

                         Photo by Road.cc; IG: road.cc        

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph in a 2016 interview, Sir Bradley Wiggins, British former professional road and track racing cyclist, said that there was an element of elitism when it came to bikes and equipment. He also said that a great benefit of riding bikes is the ability to cycle on the same roads as the professionals.

?“I go out cycling on normal roads all the time, and I see beginners and other cyclists who recognise me. There’s no other sport like that. You wouldn’t go down the park and see Johnny Wilkinson practising his kicks. You wouldn’t bump into David Haye next to the punch bag at your local Fitness First. But that’s the great thing about cycling, it’s open to everyone.”

                       Photo by David Marcu; IG: marcu.david        

Regardless of the ongoing debate, we need to remember that cycling is for everyone. Ultimately, we need to accept all different types of people riding bikes to increase the visibility of the sport and cycling as a method of transport in our communities.?

> Link to Poll post <

                       Photo by Martin Magnemyr; IG: martin.magnemyr        

Thanks for Reading! ??