Written By Jeffrey Reed
Like many sports and leisure-time activities, cycling experienced a big boom during the COVID-19 pandemic – and there’s no slowing down for this two-wheel fun. In fact, more than 200 years after the first bike – a wooden model – was manufactured in Germany in 1817, riding a bike for fitness, pleasure and commuting has never been more popular, according to world-wide statistics.
A recent John Hopkins University study said 42 per cent of American families owned at least one bicycle, with 58 per cent of Americans using bikes for transportation. Even the definition of bicycle has evolved with the e-bike boom. Hybrid bikes – a mix of road bikes and mountain bikes – have also grown in popularity faster than you can say Greg LeMond.
Middlesex County wisely recognized the link between bicycling and economics, fitness and environmentally-friendly transportation when it announced in 2021 its $1.9-million, 33.5-kilometre cycling link expansion, part of a 20-year cycling network strategy developed in 2017. The 20-year plan aims to construct 350 kilometres of new cycling links to connect rural communities. More than 100 kilometres of existing bike lanes on roads and paved shoulders were included in the master plan.
Albert Einstein once quipped, “Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep balance, you must keep moving.” Bikes are anything but new, but cutting-edge technology and progressive thinking at all government levels keep the mode of transportation at the top of its game.
As a Middlesex County rural resident, I’ve noticed an unprecedented number of cyclists riding by our family farm in recent years – and the bikes come in many forms, from thin-wheeled racing bikes to thick-wheeled hybrids, and a growing number of e-bikes which have even been embraced by one of the leading automobile manufacturers.
Some will argue that the Ford Bronco and Ford Mustang are two of the most exciting vehicles available with four wheels. Now, Ford and N+ – a leader in cycling technology – bring the spirit and performance of the Bronco and Mustang to two wheels through a lineup of officially licensed 750-watt e-bike models. They retail beginning at $4,000 US.
That’s a far cry from my first two-wheeled bike – a lime green 5-speed model with a banana seat and ape hanger handlebars which emulated those found on choppers. I later opted for a more tradition bike with front basket to hold the newspapers I delivered throughout the Huron Heights neighbourhood in northeast London. I eventually purchased a 10-speed bike that I used for transportation before obtaining my driver’s license. Not counting the bikes I’ve ridden for exercise at fitness clubs, that was my last bike.
Yet any type of cycling can improve your quality of life. It’s a low-impact form of exercise, making it a great option for people of all ages and fitness levels. There are major cardiovascular and weight loss benefits, and it can help improve strength and balance. It’s a big boost for Mother Earth, too.
Award-winning writer
Jeffrey Reed has covered Middlesex County sports since 1980. He is publisher and editor of LondonOntarioSports.com. Reach him at
jeff@londonontariosports.com.
