May 21 is national bike to work day, this day originated in 1955 by the League of American Bicyclists and is endorsed by the American Medical Association.
Many American have the privilege of owning driving cars, however in busy streets and cities, some do not get to enjoy these experiences. Some opt for a cleaner and greener way to use transportation, that being public transportation, as it cuts emission costs, and bicycling. Which is a healthful and beneficial way to move from place to place.
Bikes in the pandemic
As quarantine hit the U.S., many found great comfort in exercise. Finding it to be a way out of being stuck in the house while being safe and productive. 2020 saw a significant boom of people exercising, more specifically, bicycle riding. While some biked for their enjoyment, others biked for their health and a newfound fear of public transportation.
Laura Bliss, writer, and editor for Bloomberg CityLab, talks about how cities such as Los Angeles and Houston saw a significant spike in bicycle usage. Getting her data from Strava, the fitness tracking app used by 68 million global users. The app shows that several U.S. cities saw significant year-over-year growth in bike trips and cyclists in much of 2020. Out of the six cities that Bliss studied, she explains that, in Houston, the total volume of cycling trips was 138% higher in May 2020 than in May 2019. And in Los Angeles, the jump was 93%.
Adrienne Bernhard, a writer for the BBC, reports a "heightened anxiety over public transportation and a surge in exercise." Many all over the world are terrified of the dangers of riding the bus or getting a taxi. Bicycle riding has turned out to be the cheapest and safest option for many. Bernhard states that "bicycles provide a socially distant way for essential workers and commuters to get around." Bicycling has evolved into a healthier alternative to gyms and subways and a fresh way of seeing city streets.
Bicycling in Cuba
Cuban Cyclist, Arlenis Sierra
Bicycle Taxis as used in Havana, Cuba
The people of Cuba have a great love for their bikes as their guayaberas, so much so that we have many cyclists ranked worldwide. On August 6th of 2020, Cuban Cyclist Arlenis Sierra is among the first cyclists on the universal ladder and on the World Tour of the route modality. In the ranking of the World Tour, Sierra is in 13th place, with 346 points, only surpassed by Europeans and a New Zealander in 10th place. Sierra is captain of the Italian Monex Women's Pro Cycling Team.
The Bici-Taxi is one of the greatest and cheapest modes of transportation in Cuba. Two passengers and a driver can ride in the three-wheeled pedal-powered taxis. Bici taxis were once only available to locals, however, anyone can take one now. They are still predominantly used by locals today. Prices vary depending on the time and city, but a short trip (10 to 15 minutes) typically costs around 10 to 20 pesos. Longer trips are slightly more expensive. They're primarily used in downtown regions where driving is difficult or impossible.
Taking a Bici Taxi is a terrific way to get around. Many people advise going at night. Taking one allows you to view a great deal of the city. As well as access to the most fascinating and intriguing destinations on the planet. So get on board and name where you want to go. It's a safe, cheap mode of transportation that will unveil the beauty of authentic Cuban life.
Cuban Minerva Bike Factory
Today Cuba is even producing their own brand of bikes call Minerva. The island offers Bicycle riding tours all over the beautiful Island. The most popular one starting in Havana, moving onto Cayo Jutias as a checkpoint, and making its way back up passing through Las Terrazas. Most, if not all, tours pass by the most beautiful beaches, exploring the beaten streets and lush nature of the island.