Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

Slow cycling isn't just for fun – it's essential for many city workers

  • Written by Malini Sur, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University

In cities, people use bicycles for far more than just commuting and recreation. For many people, riding a bike is not just a way to get to work; it is a livelihood necessity and helps sustain urban economies. And for people who rely on a bike to do their job, safe access to city roads is essential.

With increasing urban pollution and poverty around the world, we urgently need to think about how to plan new cities and redesign old cities to accommodate cycling’s varied uses.

Ever-increasing numbers of cars and other vehicles reduce the road space available to cyclists. Where the risks of collisions and injury are high, they are effectively excluded from traffic.

In cities that privilege motor vehicles, cycling slowly is essential for survival. Cyclists who deliver goods and services need to navigate cautiously when sharing limited road space with speeding cars and impatient, unpredictable motorists.

These workers are different from other riders who voluntarily indulge in slow cycling for leisure. Are city experts willing to consider slowness as an occupational necessity? Can traffic planners see how a working class of slow cyclists helps set cities in motion every day?

Different cities, both relying on slow cyclists

My explorations of cargo cyclists in Kolkata, India, and postal and courier cyclists in Parramatta, Sydney, explore the relationship that cycling has with these cities. This work also shows what needs to change to support bicycle workers in our cities.

Life Cycle explores the place of the bicycle in the everyday lives of city dwellers in Kolkata.

In Kolkata, cargo cyclists are central to the city’s informal economy. At dawn, the sounds of creaking bicycles fill the streets as heavily greased chains rotate and aluminium containers clank against one another. The riders balance newspapers, milk, gas cylinders and food on their bikes, which are often loaded with more than 150 kilograms of goods.

Later in the morning, the screeching tyres, engines and honking of buses, cars and motorbikes drown out the city’s cycle symphonies. In the afternoon and evening, when the traffic eases, cycle sounds once again resonate through the city’s streets.

Slow cycling isn't just for fun – it's essential for many city workers Cyclists in Kolkata must contend with roads crowded with motor vehicles. Malini Sur, Author provided

Kolkata has one of the highest population densities in the world, with 14.3 million urban residents and is India’s second-most-polluted city.

The ratio of road space to the total city space in Kolkata is just 6% – the lowest in India. Despite a lack of cycling infrastructure and the hazards of crowded roads, the city records 1.68 million cyclists and 2.5 million cycle trips a day.

In the next decade India’s urban population is expected to double to 600 million people. This booming urbanisation – and a growing middle class that wants to own cars – will add to the congestion and pollution. Although bicycles do not add to pollution, urban infrastructure is biased towards motorised traffic.

Slow cycling isn't just for fun – it's essential for many city workers Posties are perhaps Australia’s most visible slow cyclists. AAP/Australia Post

Unlike Kolkata’s cargo cyclists, Parramatta’s postal cyclists are almost noiseless, but they too have to contend with cars that often refuse to slow down, even on residential streets. The posties’ high-visibility yellow uniforms, measured pace and iconic flag poles distinguish them from the commuter cyclists who whizz by.

Beyond posties, a new set of working cyclists is emerging. As online delivery services like Uber Eats and Deliveroo grow in popularity, more cycling courier jobs are becoming available.

While some people tout the benefits of flexible employment, these cyclists continue to work in dangerous conditions on the roads. Just like other slow cyclists in Australia and India, these gig economy riders have not received enough attention from policymakers.

Authorities make life harder for cyclists

Despite some efforts to encourage urban cycling, official prohibitions and structural roadblocks are widespread. In New South Wales, for instance, the state government has increased cycling penalties and tightened regulations – such as requiring riders to carry ID – in an attempt to curb safety problems.

Slow cycling isn't just for fun – it's essential for many city workers Stairs are just one of many obstacles delivery cyclists face in Kolkata. Malini Sur, Author provided

In 2017, Kolkata, citing similar issues, prohibited cycling on 70 city roads (despite nonexistent cycle lanes). Here, the traffic police continue to fine cyclists. Corrupt authorities skim money from the penalties and distribute it among themselves.

The need for parking space in both cities means the roadside is sacrificed to permanent parking zones. This ensures that cyclists do not have access to safe roadside space.

These limitations help explain why bicycle trips account for only around 1% of all travel in Australia, despite cycling being the country’s third-most-popular recreational activity. While the Australian government wants to double cycling participation, rates in Sydney remain lower than both the national and NSW averages.

Speed is not the only factor that drives cities into motion. Slow cycling as a response to inadequate infrastructure and poor policy tells us why seemingly very different cities – which have little in common geographically or economically – share the same cycling issues.

By paying attention to slow cyclists, we can begin to plan our cities in ways that recognise and enhance the environmental and economic benefits they deliver.

Authors: Malini Sur, Senior Research Fellow, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University

Read more http://theconversation.com/slow-cycling-isnt-just-for-fun-its-essential-for-many-city-workers-92505

The Different Career Paths in a Law Firm: From Clerk to Partner

The legal profession offers a structured yet diverse career path, with opportunities ranging from entry-level positions to esteemed leadership roles...

The Importance of Exercise for People with Disabilities: Adaptive Workouts

Exercise is a fundamental part of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and this holds true for people of all abilities. For individuals with d...

Planning a Construction or Renovation? Don’t Overlook the Plumbing!

Building or renovating your home is an exciting journey—designing layouts, selecting finishes, and watching your space come to life. However, while ...

Bathroom Tiling: Trends, Materials and Installation Tips

The world of bathroom tiling has come a long way, with new trends, improved materials, and innovative installation techniques, making it easier than...

Best Products to Increase Hair Density: What Really Works?

Do you want thick, voluminous hair? We get you!! There’s just something about a full head of hair that makes you feel more confident. But what do...

The Cost of Back to Base Security in Sydney: Is It Worth the Investment?

Sydney is a fantastic place to live. The beaches, the cafes, the culture. There’s a reason people are willing to pay premium prices for a spot in ...

Australian Workplace Engagement Declines Amidst Shifting Employee Priorities

Global leader in employee engagement and HR technology, Reward Gateway, has today released its second annual Workplace Engagement Index. The report...

The Right Mix: 5 Tips for Choosing Products Your Customers Will Love

Photo: Marcella Marcella / Unsplash Crafting the perfect product offering is difficult. You need to strike a delicate balance between building a busi...

Septic Tank Pump Out Cost: What to Expect in 2025

The size of the tank, the location and the rates charged by the service provider all affect how much a septic tank pump out will cost. Every thre...

How Machine Learning is Personalizing Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment has seen a significant transformation over the past few decades, largely due to advancements in digital dentistry and artificial...

From Backend Logic to Frontend Magic: Merging Software Development and Web Design

Software design and web development go hand in hand in today's computer age. Backend logic is used for functionality, and frontend design makes soft...

Australians who want to buy their first home need concrete saving stratagems for their deposit

Many Australians aspire to own a house but face significant obstacles while trying to save for the necessary deposit. Given the increase in property...

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Professional Indemnity Policy for Your Business

"Unlock the secrets to choosing the ideal Professional Indemnity Policy for your business. Understand the critical considerations!" A Professional ...

Skills in Demand (Subclass 482): The Employer-Sponsored Work Visa for Skilled Professionals

Businesses in today's globalized economy are always looking for qualified individuals to fill important positions. Employers in Australia can fill ...

Recent Study Reveals Which Psychological Problems Affect Different Age Groups

In recent years, the wider community has started talking more about mental health, and for good reason. In Australia alone, 42.9% of people between ...

The Ultimate Guide to Flyscreen Windows: How to Keep Your Home Bug-Free in Style

Keeping your home free from insects doesn't mean sacrificing style or comfort. Flyscreen windows offer an effective solution to maintain a bug-free ...

Dating after separation - the do's and don't's

After a romantic split you move forward with plans for fresh dating relationships. The present moment brings excited feelings since you look toward ...

What to Look for in a Reliable Junk Removal Service

Choosing the right junk removal service can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Every year, households and businesses genera...