What will be the future of bicycles?

[Dallasjsherman]

Do you feel any importance of bicycle in this world? What will be the future of bicycles? Can you give me your point of view?

[tonythomson]

Go to any of the developing countries and you will see just how important bicycles are to enable poorer people to carry on their work/business' and essential to local travel .  While I'm sure there will always be a recreational need in better off countries.  I guess you might be thinking environmentally - doubt if they will ever take over from cars. 

And without them what would us old wrinklies do when we retire?  Imagine never having an excuse to wear Lycra?  Unthinkable

[DNault]

I guess it all depends on the infrustructure that is put in place to accomodate bicycles. It's an exciting developement to see programs like Rails to Trails come together in many states. I know that in my area, the city is doing allot to add bike lanes to otherwise unsafe roads for bicyclists. My riding has increased more on a commuter level than just recreational and I'm sure many riders are just like me. I can only assume bikes will be seen as a more viable method for getting around as more and more places become bike friendly.

[paddleboy17]

I think there will still be bicycles in the future, but the future will be different from now.

I am 51, and in my youth, if you wanted to go someplace,  that is why you had a bicycle.  My parents did not believe in hauling us kids around.

Now I hear things, "you can't let your kid ride to school, that might be dangerous."

I don't know how many of you do day rides, but I don't see a lot of young people on day rides.  Attendance in general seems down on day rides.  I feel like I participate in a middle aged sport.

On the positive side, now we got rail trails, bike routes, bike lanes (though I hear they are not as safe as you think), helmets, decent lighting for night riding, breathable clothing, and studded tires.  Cheap component groups are better than ever, and bike are lighter than ever.

[whittierider]

Why would you even imply by your question that the future of bicycles is doubtful?  Streets departments are becoming more aware of bicycle issues in street design, more bike trails are being built, bicycles keep improving, more awareness of bike racing in the U.S. has made cycling more popular, the internet has helped cyclists organize through websites like this one and more easily get information on routes, and federal and state governments keep making the ownership and maintenance of a vehicle more taxing.

I am 51, and in my youth

I'll be that old in just over a year and I'm still in my youth too.    Actually, I've been faster in the last couple of years than at any previous time of my life, just from better training (not more training).