The Netherlands are probably the bicycle nation no. 1. Denmark has seen a decline in bicycling since the nineties, and our politicians don't prioritize it even though there's a solid culture to build upon. Not really sure why as every kilometre on bike saves society a dollars, while every kilometre by car costs one dollar.
In Copenhagen we still have a solid bike-culture though.
N. America was built around and for the car so cycling infrastructure and habits are slow to progress.
With the climate talks and carbon reduction targets that countries are begining to agree to, you would think that more countries would incentivise cycling.
It's a good thing to hang onto.
Should be a nobrainer, but cars has been the status symbol for decades and that makes it hard for people in power (who always are attracted to status and might) to change things. But so many arguments back up more cyclists. Apart from CO2, particle pollution, traffic accidents, health of the drivers, noise pollution etc. there's also a lot less space needed for bicycle traffic.
Here's some footage from Copenhagen and in almost every frame (best seen in the shots from above) there are more people in the bicycle lane than in the car lanes. Most of those cars, especially in the rush hour have only one person inside.
Very true.
That's a neat video. That's a lot of bikes!