European Cities Urge Car Drivers To Go Ride A Bike

"As concern about global warming intensifies -- the European Union is already under emissions caps and tougher restrictions are expected -- (Amsterdam and Copenhagen) are leading a fresh assault on car culture. A major thrust is a host of aggressive new measures designed to shift bike commuting into higher gear."

"The rest of Europe is paying close attention. Officials from London, Munich and Zurich (plus a handful from the U.S.) have visited Amsterdam's transportation department for advice on developing bicycle-friendly infrastructure and policies."

"The policy goal is to have bicycle trips replace many short car trips, which account for 6% of total emissions from cars, according to a document adopted last month by the European Economic and Social Committee, an organization of transportation ministers from EU member countries."

"Officials from some American cities have made pilgrimages to Amsterdam. But in the U.S., bike commuters face more challenges, including strong opposition from some small businesses, car owners and parking-garage owners to any proposals to remove parking, shrink driving lanes or reduce speed limits. Some argue that limiting car usage would hurt business."

"Even in Amsterdam, not everyone is pro-biking...Still, the new measures in Amsterdam and Copenhagen add to an infrastructure that has already made biking an integral part of life."

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