Interesting article, but with some issues (carbon fibre cargo bikes may exist, but I have never encountered one). Clearly a subject that needs more research, esp. on systemic impacts: ebikes are known to actually replace car use.
An important thing to tackle would be regulation for standards and interoperability, especially with eBike systems. https://solar.lowtechmagazine.com/2023/02/can-we-make-bicycles-sustainable-again/
@jhilden That article rubs me the wrong way for some reason. I'm not smart enough to look into the research etc, but it feels like it's cherry-picked to say "steel bikes good, every other bike bad, might as well drive a car". I reckon every time someone chooses to ride a bike instead of drive a car is a win.
@vandenberglegs I get some of the same vibes to be honest, even if the author does say that it is about looking at sustainability within the context of bikes! Arguably that is important and not suprised that there are issues. Also: newer bike designs and materials make cycling easier for some, which is left out.
Also feels like the overall picture of maintainability is a bit too grim. Lack of standards is a nuisance but you can mostly get spares.
Add comment