# The Importance of Bike Lanes for Asians
Asians have numerous reasons to utilize bicycles as part of their daily lives. Whether it’s for leisure, exercise, or transportation, cycling has become a popular choice for many Asians looking to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. However, many Asian cities lack proper infrastructure that caters to cyclists, which is why bike lanes play such an essential role.
Bike lanes serve as dedicated areas specifically for bikes, offering a safe and comfortable alternative for cyclists who want to avoid the dangers of riding alongside motorized vehicles. For Asians, this is especially important given the region’s high population density and bustling roads. In this post, we’ll discuss the importance of bike lanes for Asians and why it’s essential to have more of them in our cities.
## The Benefit of Bike Lanes for Asian Health
Cycling has been hailed as an effective form of exercise that helps reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. As such, it is no surprise that many Asians choose cycling as their go-to activity for exercise.
However, the lack of proper cycling infrastructure inhibits many Asians from engaging in cycling as a form of exercise. Bike lanes offer a safe and reliable alternative for our Asian communities to engage in physical activity whilst also giving them the opportunity to explore their cities on a bike.
In many Asian countries, such as China and India, air pollution is a growing concern. Bike lanes offer a safe mode of transportation that reduces the dependency on motor vehicles while also minimizing the amount of pollution in our environment.
## Accessibility for All Cyclists
Bike lanes are a vital part of infrastructure as they make cycling accessible for everyone. For instance, children who cannot ride on the streets with motorized vehicles now have a safe and accessible spot to cycle with their peers.
In addition, bike lanes can enable older individuals or those with disabilities to engage in cycling as a mode of transportation or exercise. Furthermore, bike lanes play a significant role in encouraging more females and minorities to engage in cycling. They provide a safe space that eliminates the fear factor associated with cycling on busy roads.
## The Growth of Bike Lanes in Asia
Over the years, there has been a significant growth in the number of bike lanes in Asia. The region has witnessed an increase in the number of cities recognizing the importance of cycling in promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Cities such as Singapore, Seoul, and Taipei have invested heavily in bike lane infrastructure while also providing incentives to encourage cycling.
However, there still exists a considerable disparity between the demand and the availability of bike lanes. For instance, despite the high levels of cycling in countries such as China and India, they fall short compared to the number of bike lanes available.
Governments around Asia have recognized this disparity and are now embarking on various projects aimed at improving bike lane infrastructure. In Vietnam, the government has recently set up a bicycle sharing system featuring 12 docking stations around Hoi An ancient town, the first of its kind in the country. The move aims to promote cycling as well as support sustainable and eco-friendly tourism.
## Conclusion
Bike lanes offer numerous benefits for Asians looking to engage in cycling safely and conveniently. From promoting physical health to reducing pollution, bike lanes are an essential part of infrastructure that promotes a sustainable lifestyle.
It’s exciting to see the growing number of bike lanes cropping up around Asia, but more needs to be done to support this development. Governments should consider cycling infrastructure as a priority and encourage its population to engage in cycling as a way of life. With more bike lanes, we can make cycling safer, more enjoyable, and more accessible for everyone.
