Many of our childhood memories involve either getting a bicycle, learning to ride a bicycle or falling off of one. Then the novelty seems to wear off as we become accustomed to the motorised side of life, leaving behind health benefits and grazed knees.
Many of our childhood memories involve either getting a bicycle, learning to ride a bicycle or falling off of one. Then the novelty seems to wear off as we become accustomed to the motorised side of life, leaving behind health benefits and grazed knees.
Throughout Europe and Asia bicycles are a staple. The Netherlands even boasts exclusive roads for bicycles, complete with traffic lights and lane markings, an infrastructure most of our motorways don’t even have.
The theme of Scifest Africa 2013: “Science on the Move!” aims to shine light on all things mobile.
South Africa hosts a number of world-class cycling events, such as the recent Cape Argus, with tremendous turnouts each year. Although cycling appeals to all social classes, most citizens can’t be bothered.
With fuel prices at an all-time high, the benefits of riding a bicycle may soon become a reality for town dwelling residents.
On average, cycling ranges in speed from 15km/h – 20km/h making short work of inner city commutes and saving an arm and an incredibly toned leg on petrol.
Electric motor kits are available to assist the tired and to encourage the tardy.
It still remains dangerous to cycle on the motorways and caution must be taken to ensure no tears or plasters follow a trip to the store.
Even safety gear is looking remarkably cool these days, so keeping up to date with the styles and standards is effortless.
Come and attend the lecture by Andrew Wheeldon: “Bicycling Empowerment Network, the Significance of Cycling Cities” at Scifest Africa, 16th of March 2013 at 18h00, in the Olive Schreiner Hall, Monument.
Perhaps our dreams of a new Audi might be two wheels and a backseat short of what we would’ve imagined before.
