Comments on: Improving urban wellbeing: as easy as riding a bike

By: Colin McLeod

Colin McLeod — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:48:17 +0000

Excellent post Jack. The connection aspect of riding through the city that you discuss keeps me pedaling through the Chicago winter. The perspectives of the city that you get while saddled on a bike are extremely unique. The challenge in Chicago, despite an extensive network of bike lanes and bike-sharing service, is the illusion of cycling as a risky behavior. This perception is a huge barrier to entry for new riders.

By: Kirsty Zhang

Kirsty Zhang — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:08:09 +0000

I agree with Jack Jiang that riding a bicycle is good for mental health. I started riding my bike in Christchurch this year, not every road is safe for cyclists, but I did see some roads are getting better and more friendly to cyclists.

By: Simon Lay

Simon Lay — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:03:45 +0000

I find cycle ownership a fascinating thing.

In developing countries, as they climb the global scale, car ownership is an established indicator or wealth and status. Whilst cycling is seen as being an activity for the poor.

In mature economies, whilst cycling remains a mode of transport for many who cannot afford a car, it also becomes a status symbol for many who feel they have transcended the status of automobile membership.

Perhaps it is like the Blackberry vs a non-smart phone. You remember how it was a big status thing in the office to have a Blackberry? It meant you were important, that people needed you at a moment’s notice! And then you met the CEO who stuck with his Nokia 6310…

By: Patricia Cadeau

Patricia Cadeau — Tue, 03 Mar 2015 13:36:51 +0000

Great article. Yes getting back to the basics is beneficial!
Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the population in our communities engage in this practice.
As we all look to the example that Christchurch offers, we need to continue to apply pressure on our own local council and government representatives to expand cycling options in our home communities. We also need have officials accountable for the enforcement of safe practices as we continue to build and implement designated routes or pathways.
Further, employers need to get in the loop by offering employees better incentive to participate in this custom. Some of these incentives may include basic platforms like showers in the work place and a safe and secure storage of bikes on site.
Let’s keep the conversation going!

By: Ellen Palmer

Ellen Palmer — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 07:56:06 +0000

Long time since we have been for a ride together Jack. Great to see you doing well and great blog. Cheers, Ellen

By: Guest Post: As Easy As Riding a Bike | Cycling in Christchurch

Guest Post: As Easy As Riding a Bike | Cycling in Christchurch — Sun, 01 Mar 2015 09:30:42 +0000

[…] Here’s a guest post from Jack Jiang, kindly reprinted from his original ArchTam blog post: […]

By: Frederiek van Rhijn

Frederiek van Rhijn — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 23:18:07 +0000

Shameful? Mandatary law? I wish Dutch government would introduce this law in Holland, especially for e-bikers and older people. Alas, the government is still sitting on a fence whether to accept the proposal or not.
There has been a significant rise in accidents these last two years. Especially with e-bikers.
A friend of someone I know lies in coma, after an accident. She will never be able to tell the tale.
If she would have worn a helmet, maybe she would have survived.

By: Archie McIver

Archie McIver — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 15:51:14 +0000

Good to see Jack Jiang working towards a more sustainable world. Cycling is efficient and silent . As someone working to reduce noise pollution this is a welcome article.

By: Axle Ryde

Axle Ryde — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 07:39:06 +0000

Great thoughts. Nicely written and spot on about many uncelebrated aspects of daily bike riding. The biggest obstacle in cycling bike share schemes for NZ cities is our shameful mandatory helmet law. It won’t work with this in the way, no matter how good the infrastructure, sorry to say.

By: Nicola Young

Nicola Young — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 23:40:17 +0000

Great blog Jack – thanks and I agree, let’s go for a ride!