One of the main modes of transport in Seattle is by bicycle. For many cities, this is extremely unusual. However, the bicycle riders in this city enjoy lots of privileges. For instance, they have their own traffic signals, roadways, signs, as well as the right of way in many situations. Furthermore, many trips made in Seattle are by bikes and to crown it all, there are more bikes than cars. Bicycle riders are required to have etiquette and one must also be well conversant with some bicycle rules in the city (Bijker 45).
Compared to cars and other forms of transportation, bicycling has many advantages. Since the bicycles take less space to move, they can even be used in extremely narrow roads where cars cannot pass (Woodward 67). Bicycles are cheap; thus, many people can afford them. They can be repaired easily or get replaced in case they are stolen which is not the case with cars or other forms of transport. Unlike cars, bicycles do not emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide; therefore, they are environmentally friendly.
Bicycles too have their disadvantages too. They do not move faster; therefore, one is not able to get to the destination as quickly as possible (Bijker 76). They have limited carriage capacity and one can also not ride for a long distance since they depend on direct human energy. At Seattle city, at times riders are forced to share roads with cars which lead to accidents.
In conclusion, bicycles are not limited to any group of people, but to everyone who is capable of riding and can obey the rules (Woodward 78). For instance, people use bicycles to go to work, women are always seen carrying their children and even mothers and children go shopping using bicycles.
Works Cited
Bijker, W. Of Bicycles, Bakelites, and Bulbs Towards a Theory of Sociotechnical Change. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press. 2010. Print
Woodward, C.New interstate road map takes shape for bicyclists. New York: Associated Press.
2008. Print
