is one of the various types of private transport and a major part of individual mobility. Cycling has been considered Cycling mobility must be contrasted with mass automobility for which it is an immediate competitor in cities and for shorter distances. Cities are a hotbed for experimenting with new bicycle-based forms of mobility like bicycle sharing, electric bicycles and transport of bulky goods with cargo bikes. After decades of relative stagnation in bicycle development, new technologies and materials are tried to further improve upon the environmental footprint of the bicycle. Even though it is recognized that cycling - the one foremost active mobility besides walking - is the most sustainable kind of mobility and means of transportation, in some countries, cycling is still the mode of transport for the poor; in others, cycling is seen fit only for leisure purposes. In a 2010 document requested by the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism that mobility not only entails the ability to travel, but also encompasses, more importantly, the possibility for the traveller to decide when and where to travel. In terms of this flexibility and cost, bicycles rank among the top choices for shorter distances, up to several kilometers.
Positive aspects
Further following positive aspects are:
transport efficiency - cycling is the fastest and most flexible mode for 'door to door' travel, like in bicycle commuting
health and fitness issues - 4 hours of cycling per week or approximately 10 km of cycling per day, equivalent to the average cycle trip to and from work, is an adequate level of exercise.
economic and social impacts - cycling provides transport to segments of the population who would not otherwise be able to travel independently for reasons of age, poverty, insufficient public transport infrastructure, etc.
cyclists’ safety and security - the common space for cars and bicycles on the road is not complemented by the same rights and significantly higher risk of accidents for cyclists
weather conditions - rain and snow impact the unsheltered cyclist more than car drivers
poor intermodality - because of lack of transport facilities for the bicycles themselves for longer distances
