Bicycles as an alternative and healthy mobility model in the face of COVID-19
The increased use of bicycles as an alternative and healthy means of transport in response to COVID-19 and the new form of mobility in cities.
For the past few weeks, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been reporting that cities are designing a series of measures to reduce possible physical contact in order to prevent and curb the Covid-19 pandemic, and that the best way to remain mobile is to use a bicycle, provided that the infection rate has decreased.
Seville is one of the Spanish cities with the best topography for getting around by bicycle, with one of the most extensive cycle lane networks among Spanish cities, stretching for more than 180 kilometres. The use of this means of transport is predominantly male, accounting for just over 65%. (Study by Vicente Hernández Herrador and Ricardo Marqués).
Before the start of the pandemic, the use of cycle lanes recorded more than 65,000 journeys on working days, with La Ronda Histórica being the point with the highest number of cyclists, followed by Carlos V-Prado and Cruz Roja.
The WHO’s recommendations regarding the use of bicycles also predate the current pandemic, for several reasons:
Preventing the effects of air pollution on health: Cities can determine the main sources of air pollution and implement policies that improve air quality, such as promoting the use of public transport, walking and cycling, instead of relying on the promotion of power plants that use clean and renewable fuels instead of coal, as well as improving the energy efficiency of buildings and industries. (who.int ) Raising awareness of the high burden of disease related to urban air pollution and its main sources. Effective monitoring of interventions is another important way to increase awareness, as it can help drive policy measures that bring benefits for health, the climate and the environment. Given the circumstances, the use of bicycles is presented as an alternative means of transport in our cities, which also improves our health in several ways, as Mediaset pointed out in its famous campaign 12 Months, 12 Causes:
Cycling reduces the risk of heart attack by 50% because, when you do it, your maximum heart rate increases and your blood pressure decreases, making your heart work more efficiently. Cholesterol levels improve. It reduces “bad” cholesterol and increases “good” cholesterol because the flexibility of blood vessels increases and the risk of calcification decreases. Say goodbye to infections and colds, because cycling strengthens your immune system. You will improve your posture and, with it, your back pain will disappear. You will strengthen your torso muscles thanks to the tension of the exercise and you will notice them becoming more resistant. When riding a bicycle, your mind is freed from negative thoughts, your brain is oxygenated, you think more easily, your worries decrease and you release tension, avoiding the risk of falling into depression. Pedalling makes you a positive person! Happiness is also linked to two wheels, because by cycling you generate more endorphins. You will notice a better mood from the very first hour. Exercising on a bicycle also helps your knees work better while protecting them. In this activity there is no impact because 75% of your body weight rests on the saddle, preventing the knees from bearing heavy loads. The bicycle does not only activate your legs, it also works the upper part of your body, improving your balance and coordination. It allows you to burn up to 300 calories in half an hour. It is a healthy way to lose weight while getting fit. This sport has no age limit. It is recommended for children, young people, adults and older people alike. It gives you health, and it will make you visit the doctor much less often. The increase in bicycles brings a small headache for users who have invested their money in buying one: where to leave it when not in use, while also ensuring that the space is safe.
The price of your bicycle, how eye-catching it is, its type (mountain, electric, leisure, city), etc. does not guarantee that it will be safe from theft.
For several years now, APPARKYA’s Arenal and José Laguillo car parks have had secure bicycle parking spaces.
Their use is very simple, and there are several usage options.
Bicycle users can use the service with a very affordable monthly subscription (from €9.99/month* check current rates and promotions), or simply pay according to how much they use the secure parking space.
How it works is very easy:
Register on the Don Cicleto WebApp. Choose between a monthly subscription or pay-per-use. Receive your card, your space number and your access code. Remember to bring your own lock. No long-term commitment. In addition, Don Cicleto’s secure bicycle parking spaces include theft insurance of up to three thousand euros and have a pump and a small tool kit.
An excellent option if you need to use the car because you do not live in Seville city centre is to park in one of APPARKYA’s car parks at the Arenal or José Laguillo, and keep your bicycle parked in Don Cicleto’s secure parking network. This way, once you leave the car, you can finish your journey by bicycle, and when you return to go home after work, you can leave the bike in the parking space without having to load it into the boot or onto the roof rack of the car, saving time and gaining comfort every day.
