Most sydney cyclists are advocates for getting more people out on their bikes. I too have tended to encourage cycling wherever possible. I think that cycling is the best way to get around, so why shouldn't I want to share that information with the general population.
Recently I have been thinking that maybe the current situation is actually preferable. I do still think that better driver education so that cyclists rights are respected is required. But other than that, I think the current situation where cycling is a fringe activity may actually be good.
There are a number of reasons I think this:
1. Less bicycle theft. There is no denying that bicycle theft in Sydney is far less of a problem compared to cities with high rates of cycling like Amsterdam, Portland, etc. I attribute this largely to the reduced demand for bicycles
2. Parking is easy. There is always a free pole and place to lock my bicycle. I think this is because there aren't many bicycles around. When I was in the netherlands in 2007, i found bicycle parking much more difficult.
3. Rules are not enforced. In the netherlands I got a fine (which never arrived in Australia thank goodness) for riding in an area where I wasn't supposed to be riding. There was a sign saying it was a pedestrian only area, written in dutch >:-| These sorts of rules just aren't enforced in Australia. I break a lot more rules (lets not get into a heated discussion about this bit if possible :-) ) compared to that netherlands tour, and I have never been fined. I think if cycling became more the norm rather than the exception, that rules would have to be enforced to keep things running smoothly.
4. There is no bicycle traffic to contend with. Cars are easy to overtake in peak hour. More bicycles would mean more traffic I think.
5. Taking bikes on trains out of peak hour is easy, because there aren't many others doing it.
6. At work I can bring my bike into the office. If everyone rode, there is no way that this could be possible. Same at the pub - i take the bike inside, but couldn't do it if others did.
There are probably a few other reasons that I haven't thought of too.
I've also posted this discussion on Sydney Cyclist to see what people think. Click
here for the Sydney Cyclist discussion.
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