The World Needs Bikes

The World Needs Bikes

Formal Writing

27 August 2013

In this world we are in a state of disarray. Obesity rates are climbing, depression is on the rise and world climate temperatures are increasing like never before. What if there was a way to to solve all these problems by instead engineering a culture of exercise, health and change to combat these world issues. The world needs bikes.

Health problems like obesity are increasing due to lack of exercise and poor diet. The word health organisation describes obesity as an epidemic yet only small steps are being taken to reduce this problem. This issue of obesity is especially important in New Zealand as are now the third most obese country in the world and 50% of our adult population is overweight including 30% of those being classed as obese. Obesity is not just a problem about being overweight. Other health conditions that are heavily associated with obesity include heart disease, stroke, type two diabetes and cancer. Over 2.4 million people die each year worldwide due to issues relating to being overweight and the New Zealand government have tried to reduce obesity with limited success. Ideas such as a tax on unhealthy food have been pondered but the complexities associated with such ideas mean that the laws make no progress. A ban on unhealthy canteen food was also introduced but I believe the food that is sold at my canteen is still seriously unhealthy.

Recent studies have suggested that getting a good amount of exercise is better for you than simply eating less. If people can exercise properly they won’t have to worry as much about what they eat. The solution to this rising obesity problem in New Zealand and around the world is bikes. Cycling is very healthy and very easy. People can easily integrate cycling into their daily commute instead of public transport or cars. They may even save time as they won’t have to go through the congested city and can instead use cycle lanes. Cycling is also a good form of exercise because it is relatively injury free and it doesn’t strain your muscles to much. Furthermore, biking is something almost everyone knows how to do and they can associate it with their childhood.

Environment

• Congestion
• zero emissions
• reliance on fossil fuels

Culture

• cycling culture (people are always enthusiastic)
• less depression
• history (cycling has always been popular)