Has walking become the new cycling?
Cycling has been promoted as a ‘cure all’ And people have been discouraged as it does not meet their needs!
This newsletter is aimed at both the public and the bike trade, and I have removed all industry jargon.
This is an interesting thought which I think deserves a closer look...
Over time I’ve seen more walkers, which is ok - good for your health requiring only a pair of walking boots and that's about it.
But where are the cyclists? Or should I say the increase in cycling numbers, especially with e-bikes?
The one growth area in cycling I have noticed in 2024, is more youngsters cycling. Mainly in mountain biking, in designated bike parks, as roads look a more dangerous place. You may like to Read: Young MTB Rider wins sponsorship.
For some years both the general public and those in the bike shops and independent repairers have been sold the belief that cycling, especially e-bikes would be an all-round “win-win” for both customer and sales/repair business alike. We were told that we’d be doing our bit for the environment by the use of rechargeable batteries.
This number's growth has not happened, perhaps the disappointment that your new bike (e-bike) hasn't met your needs, plays a part. Add this disappointment that these negatives will impact your mental health and motivation. Add this to your new awareness that parts durability is poor, and your new bike whether an e-bike or not may be poorly built.
The durability of parts and original build quality could give repair issues around added costs as ‘things don't last’ like they used to. Repair could outway the value of the bike in some cases.
Now you see why walking is so appealing, I mean how do you break the news that a e-Bike costing £4,999 is effectively worn out when servicing, parts and repair cost that of the bike. Are we heading for a throw away bike scenario where it's deemed to be cheaper to just get another one?
Don't get me wrong, I walk a lot, it’s at a slower pace, which means in beautiful Bucks hill’s, I get to see and hear more of the natural world around me and yes it’s good for me. Getting into nature is healthy as well, and got me thinking that we need to look at what we really need. Just as manufacturers produced cars with increased tech and gadgets - which seduced us into thinking they were needed. In the same way new bikes have increased levels of electronics and gadgets which all add to cost of purchase and repair, so perhaps going backwards is actually the way forward. If you can remember the bike before electronics, what could go wrong or break, a puncture, chain and tyre ware, oh yes and the odd cable. Repair cost - minimal, but now - WOW.
We need to find positives for our metal health and wellbeing, for society in general.
What are your thoughts on cycling today?
