Biking in Korea
Statistics Korea recently reported that bicycle prices in the country has risen 21% YoY, as the public’s interest in exercise grows and the economic recession that still plagues automobile sales is keeping the prices of cars at lower rates. There has also been an apparent increase in demand for bikes made out of the people’s desire in achieving a healthier and eco-friendlier way of living.
I find this an interesting piece of information and see it as a faint sign of how economic and environmental challenges are moving us more to consider a shift in our lifestyles. For one, I have never seen the world banner this much on reducing carbon emissions, and bicycles present a simpler and fuel-less way of providing transportation. Not only that, bicycles help us keep up with our physical fitness by giving us the right exercise for our legs. In Korea, where I have temporarily been spared of seeing dark car exhausts, breathing fresh air while biking may also prove to be healthier...
I might as well tell everyone how riding the bicycle has personally been a part of my life in South Korea, and how bicycle rides have served more than just my weekly exercise routine like how it was back in the Philippines. I currently live in a residential neighborhood that is just a few meters away from a big grocery chain and a mall, so riding a bike looks a more practical way to get to these places. While I still describe Korea’s living environment as conveniently fast-paced, I get to snatch moments of the “simpler life” whenever I ride the bike for my personal errands.
Besides, bicycles create less congestion out of their smaller sizes, and it’s easier to be friendly with co-bikers on the road (so this is how I intend to flirt outside eh? Haha). Of course, everyone should always be properly geared (with the helmet and kneepads and elbow pads and all), and bikes should strictly have their own designated lanes. While there is no way that bicycles can ever replace cars (I mean, I can’t go to the office in my bicycle), they have always been a good alternative.
I'm sure I am not the only one who wishes that bicycles were also the "in" thing in the Philippines. But with the pollution and traffic situation in our country-- might as well pass up on it for now.
I find this an interesting piece of information and see it as a faint sign of how economic and environmental challenges are moving us more to consider a shift in our lifestyles. For one, I have never seen the world banner this much on reducing carbon emissions, and bicycles present a simpler and fuel-less way of providing transportation. Not only that, bicycles help us keep up with our physical fitness by giving us the right exercise for our legs. In Korea, where I have temporarily been spared of seeing dark car exhausts, breathing fresh air while biking may also prove to be healthier...
I might as well tell everyone how riding the bicycle has personally been a part of my life in South Korea, and how bicycle rides have served more than just my weekly exercise routine like how it was back in the Philippines. I currently live in a residential neighborhood that is just a few meters away from a big grocery chain and a mall, so riding a bike looks a more practical way to get to these places. While I still describe Korea’s living environment as conveniently fast-paced, I get to snatch moments of the “simpler life” whenever I ride the bike for my personal errands.
Besides, bicycles create less congestion out of their smaller sizes, and it’s easier to be friendly with co-bikers on the road (so this is how I intend to flirt outside eh? Haha). Of course, everyone should always be properly geared (with the helmet and kneepads and elbow pads and all), and bikes should strictly have their own designated lanes. While there is no way that bicycles can ever replace cars (I mean, I can’t go to the office in my bicycle), they have always been a good alternative.
I'm sure I am not the only one who wishes that bicycles were also the "in" thing in the Philippines. But with the pollution and traffic situation in our country-- might as well pass up on it for now.
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