One thing that has gained attention during the coronavirus pandemic is commuting by bicycle and cycling. I was watching TV the other day and heard that commuting by bicycle is increasing in countries such as Indonesia, and it is helping to reduce traffic congestion. Of course, bicycle commuting in Japan is also increasing. Nowadays, people are starting to say that the productivity of employees who commute by bicycle is increasing. Companies are also starting to think of maintaining and improving health as an investment rather than a cost. Some companies are encouraging people to commute by bicycle by providing shower rooms. If employees can become healthy and accumulate know-how to increase productivity, both the company and the employees will be happy.
Bicycles have a light environmental impact and are useful for improving health. Bicycles have become established in various cities and regions as an important item for creating liveliness. Two cities that do this are London, UK, and New York, USA. In 2008, London Mayor Boris Johnson (former Prime Minister) created the Supercycle Highway. He created bike lanes and improved the roads to make it easier for people to bike. In Europe and the United States, including these cities, environments have been developed that allow even one person to move around. Walking, running, and riding a bicycle are all part of our daily transportation. The exercise that accompanies daily movement helps maintain and improve physical fitness and reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. In developed countries, approximately 30% of medical expenses and 60% of deaths are attributed to lifestyle-related diseases. Cycling path development is an option that improves physical fitness, reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, and reduces medical costs.
Another potential of cycling is its ripple effect on tourism. Some foreign tourists prefer to sightsee by bicycle. As long as they have a bicycle, they enjoy cycling trips. The problem is that there aren’t many rental bicycles in the places you visit. This is that the idea of sharing comes into play. If you discover a more attractive place in a foreign country, you will be happy if you can rent a bicycle there. Providing a new rental bicycle is a high hurdle. Therefore, if we create a system that families in the area can share their own bicycles, they can prepare bicycles without making a large investment. It could be a business opportunity for those who can organize this share.
