Untitled - Ministerstwo Rozwoju Regionalnego

ture, of consistent cycle-promoting policy, and last but not least the ignorance
on the part of car drivers. On the day of the World Naked Bike Ride, demonstrations
against anti-cycling and anti-environmental policies of municipal authorities
are held all over the world, under the slogan of: “zero pollution transport
solution”. There is a constantly growing number of organizations fighting for
the rights of cyclists, putting pressure on authorities and promoting cycling. Unfortunately,
the effects are still not quite satisfactory.
This paper presents fundamental advantages of the bicycle as a means of
transport, major problems encountered by cyclists in Polish cities, examples of
effective solutions employed by our West-European neighbours, as well as several
other issues regarding innovative solutions in urban cycling.
12.2. Bicycle vs. bicycle
The history of the bicycle dates back to the early 19th century. In Poland, as
early as 1886, the Warsaw Society of Cyclists was founded, bringing together cycling
enthusiasts. Among them were such famous figures as Boles³aw Prus or
Henryk Sienkiewicz. At the time, a bicycle was a luxury item that it no longer is
today.
The end of the 20th century was a real bicycle boom, which has led to a tremendous
variety of cycling vehicles. Nowadays, we can choose, among others,
between mountain bicycles, road bicycles, track bicycles, trekking bicycles, bmx
bikes or classic city bicycles, among others. These various types differ significantly
from each other, as do their purposes. Of course one may go city cycling
on any one of these bicycles, however some of them are more fit for this particular
use than others. The classic city bike, often known as the “Dutch bike,” is
equipped with many appliances which allow us to move relatively safely in urban
traffic and to maintain the bike easily in unfavourable weather conditions.
Its basic characteristics are as follows:
– geometry which ensures upright posture of the cyclist;
– bent handlebars providing comfortable resting support for the hands;
– hub gears (located inside the hub of the rear wheel), “torpedo” coaster
brakes;
– large (28 inch) wheels;
– chain and rear wheel cover, as well as full mudguards;
– red reflectors, dynamo and bell;
– luggage carrier, kickstand;
– solid lock (preferably U-lock).
Bicycles of this type rule the streets of most bicycle friendly European
towns. They also make up the majority in bike rentals, which successfully ope-
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