Tag: cycling

Cycling has long been hailed as the ultimate eco-friendly and health-conscious mode of transportation. Yet, despite the growing emphasis on sustainability and urban mobility, bicycle production in the European Union has seen a significant drop. In 2023, EU member states produced 9.7 million bicycles—a sharp 24% decrease from the 12.7 million produced in 2022. What’s causing this surprising downturn, and does it signal the end of the cycling revolution? The Numbers Behind the Decline According to Eurostat’s latest data, bicycle production declined in 14 of the 17 EU countries that reported figures for 2023. Notably, some of the largest producers experienced the steepest declines: Romania: A drop of 1 million units, bringing total production down to 1.5 million. Italy: A…

Cycling in the city has both its joys and challenges. Zipping through the streets on your bike is one of the best feelings in the world, but it also presents many obstacles that might make your rides less fun. Traffic and bike theft can become such hurdles for urban cyclists that they even deter some riders from taking their bikes for a ride. To be able to navigate your way around town, you need to be savvy enough to know what to avoid and how to keep safe. Let’s explore five common urban cycling challenges and provide practical tips to overcome them. 1. Navigating Through Heavy Traffic This can be scary at first. City streets can be daunting for cyclists,…

Hey, It’s Pete here. At Discerning Cyclist, we’re always trying to be innovative and find creative ideas to share our love for cycling with everyone else. Every week, I send a compilation of the best urban cycling news and stories from around the world to our newsletter subscribers. This is a no-nonsense letter/message/note from me to you, in which I share my favourite stories and give you a heads-up on our latest endeavours. Don’t worry – it’s not spam. I hate getting those in my inbox, too. This is just one cyclist speaking to another, sharing thoughts, ideas, and insight. You can sign up below (and if I ever spam you, you can put a stick in my wheel spoke)….

In recent years, cycling to work has transformed from a niche activity into a growing trend among urban dwellers seeking healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. There’s something that just feels different when you cycle to work versus arriving by car. I noticed a little extra pep in my step on days that I used my bike to go into the office. It turns out there are plenty of scientific data and insight backing this up. I wanted to dig a little deeper and find more interesting information about commuting by bicycle to work that might encourage others to do the same. Fact 1: Fantastic Health Benefits Cycling isn’t just good for your physical fitness; it’s a lifesaver. Studies have consistently shown…

Cycling is not just a solitary sport; it’s a vibrant community activity that brings together people of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned road warrior or a weekend peddler, joining a cycling group can dramatically enhance your cycling experience. Here are seven compelling reasons why you should consider group cycling. 1. Enhanced Safety One of the biggest advantages of group cycling is safety. Riding with others makes you more visible to motorists, reducing the likelihood of accidents. Moreover, should an emergency arise, such as a puncture or a fall, you’re not alone; fellow riders can provide immediate help. This collective safety net allows you to enjoy rides with peace of mind. Studies suggest that drivers leave a larger…

If you find yourself here, it’s probably because you’ve decided to move outside your comfort zone and explore more of the world, this time on a bicycle. Cycling is known for giving riders freedom and offering an escape from the everyday. It’s an affordable mode of transport and offers several mental and physical health benefits. But like everything else, you’ve got to start somewhere, and there might be a few questions lingering in your mind that you are too scared to ask out loud. We look at five of the most common questions cycling newbies might have and answer them all in one place. Remember, there’s no judging here and no such thing as a dumb question. 1. What Type…

Cycling is fantastic most of the time.  Healthy, sustainable, and fun, it’s great for leisure and transport. But it doesn’t come without its fair share of embarrassing moments. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting, here are 6 embarrassing things that have happened or will happen to you at one point while you’re cycling. Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. 1. The Ungraceful Dismount Picture the scene: you’ve arrived at a cafe to meet a friend for a quick coffee, and they’re sitting in the window waiting for you. You signal correctly, pull out the bike lane, and prepare to dismount. But you stumble. Your foot gets caught in the frame, or you forget to unclip your feet…

Cycling enthusiasts pedal your way into the world of fun and challenge with cycling quizzes and games. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist with calves of steel or a casual rider whose bike might still have training wheels (no judgment here!), these games and quizzes are your ticket to an exciting adventure on two wheels, all from the comfort of your living room. Grab your helmet (safety first, even in quizzes!), hop onto your imaginary saddle, and let’s embark on a thrilling ride through the twists and turns of cycling-themed games and quizzes—ready, set, pedal. Let the Games Begin Below, you will find various types of games and quizzes themed around cycling. The answer will follow each game. No peeking if…