Dr. Roger Suss (Bikes only part of answer, June 8) is correct in stating that cycling is part of the answer to our transportation, global warming and inactivity problems. Contrary to Dallas Hansen's view (Bikes aren't answer to reducing gridlock, June 3), cycling is also a proven alternative to vehicle use and is the perfect complement to rail rapid transit and walking.
Around 30 per cent of Holland's population uses a bike as their primary transport, and a greater percentage use a bike to ride to the train station. They have dedicated bicycle roadways that can take you anywhere within cities and between cities. Rail stations and most other destinations are serviced by large bicycle storage areas. You are even allowed to take your bike on the subway and ferries in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The Dutch, along with other European countries with progressive transportation systems, have invested in infrastructure that supports and encourages commuting by bicycle as well as their extensive public transit systems. They also have much lower obesity rates.
Mr. Hansen's belief that it's a sacrifice to live by the bike is unfounded. Unless you try committing to cycling you will never understand the freedom of parking in front of the door wherever you go. You will never understand the joy of the health and fitness levels you could achieve with a single-speed bike. You will never understand the beauty and simplicity of free, fast and environmentally sustainable transportation anywhere in the city. And you will never beat me in a daytime race across Winnipeg.