Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

IDemo

(16,926 posts)
Thu Oct 24, 2013, 05:35 PM Oct 2013

In Almost Every European Country, Bikes Are Outselling New Cars

We know that Europeans love their bicycles — think Amsterdam or Paris. Denmark even has highways specifically for cyclists.

Indeed, earlier this month, NPR's Lauren Frayer reported that Spain, which has long had a love affair with cars, is embracing the bicycle: For the first time on record, Lauren noted, bicycles outsold cars in the country.

But it's becoming a Continent-wide phenomenon. More bikes were sold in Italy than cars — for the first time since World War II.

This prompted us to look at the figures across the 27 member states of the European Union for both cars and bicycles. New-car registrations for Cyprus and Malta weren't available, so we took them out of the comparison.


http://www.npr.org/blogs/parallels/2013/10/24/240493422/in-most-every-european-country-bikes-are-outselling-cars?ft=1&f=1001

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
In Almost Every European Country, Bikes Are Outselling New Cars (Original Post) IDemo Oct 2013 OP
And that's making certain DUers VERY, VERY angry. kestrel91316 Oct 2013 #1
When people ride because they want to, it is a good thing. When people ride because they have to... Taitertots Oct 2013 #2
Very good seveneyes Oct 2013 #3
I don't really associate bicycles with Paris Art_from_Ark Oct 2013 #4
 

Taitertots

(7,745 posts)
2. When people ride because they want to, it is a good thing. When people ride because they have to...
Thu Oct 24, 2013, 07:06 PM
Oct 2013

it is not a good thing.

Are these people riding bicycles because the productive gain of the masses are being siphoned to a tiny cabal of rich people?
Or are they riding because it is a reasonable alternative to using a car?

I've been to Amsterdam, I wouldn't have a car if I lived in the city center.
I live in Michigan. Not owning a car would be an onerous burden everyday.

 

seveneyes

(4,631 posts)
3. Very good
Thu Oct 24, 2013, 07:13 PM
Oct 2013

Less autos are a good thing, and it gives a little more breathing room for those that need to use them. A win for both!

Art_from_Ark

(27,247 posts)
4. I don't really associate bicycles with Paris
Thu Oct 24, 2013, 07:48 PM
Oct 2013

This is more of what comes to mind when I think of Paris traffic:

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»In Almost Every European ...