What would Copenhagen do?
The day in the life of a typical Dane is quite different than that of the typical American. Some of the most dominant differences are those surrounding transportation norms. Together residents of Copenhagen bike an average of 1.1 million km each day. The city hopes to increase the amount of bike commuters in the population from 37% to 50 % by 2012. Considering the harsh weather of Scandinavia, this is a pretty remarkable figure. In effort to create an efficient and enjoyable bicycle experience, the city has developed a system of interconnected bike lanes and convenient bike racks throughout the city. Residents of Copenhagen and surrounding areas can easily bike from one end of the city to the other on well-maintained bike routes, and have the option of combing biking with one of the many modes of public transportation including the train, metro and extensive bus systems.
We must ask ourselves why America is so resistant to commuting by bike. After only briefly observing American culture, it is easy to conclude that cars an integral part of the American lifestyle. The way our cities are designed, with sprawling suburban areas, giant superstores and zero public transport, forces Americans to drive cars everywhere. We are conditioned to walking no more than a couple hundred yards in any given situation. Furthermore, the majority of Americans view biking as a way to exercise, not as a mechanism of transportation.
Though many Americans deny the effects of global warming and vote for idiots like Sarah Palin, there are a number of intelligent and forward-thinking people who are finding innovative solutions to our nation’s problems, including issues concerning global warming, pollution, obesity, and the economical crisis. We must rely on them for changing our world for the better. One company, B-cycle, based out of Boulder, Colorado is solving each one of the problems addressed above with an ingenious bike-sharing system. These systems will facilitate convenient ways for citizens to commute by bike. By installing loading stations throughout the city, people can pick up and drop off bikes as they please, paying only for the time they ride.
How simple right? Why doesn’t every American city have this, is the question I asked after discovering B-cycle. And the answer is culture. Our culture must change for these needed systems to take place. Changing culture is not impossible- we have a black president and my 85 year old grandmother recycles. I believe we can.
How will American culture embrace programs like B-cycle? The answer is serious governmental support paired with smart marketing efforts. It is about people letting go of their old habits and adopting new ones, something that will never happen without a little nudge from government and societal groups. Today, more than ever, people rely on peer acceptance and are willing to make an effort to be part of their social tribe. We see more and more community members investing in local artists, farmers and supporting small businesses. There are countless examples of how communities shape each other. Fat people have fat friends. Another fascinating example of group behavior is supported by a company that makes available the amount of off-the-grid energy produced by solar panels on each household in a particular community. This stimulates intrinsic motivation for community members to perform, because by nature we are a tribe species. Transparency gives community members incentive to change, to fit in with the others that are making a difference. Nudges are important and change is contagious.
Take it from the Danes. Denmark is a visionary country and has a lot to offer in the way of eco-friendly advice. Having conquered their first task of creating world class public transpiration systems and one of the most bike accessible cities in the world, Denmark has recently announced that a company called Better Place and DONG energy will establish a 103 million Euro project of a Danish electric car network scheduled to launch in 2011. DONG energy is a governmentally funded energy company who will utilize excess wind energy to power electric cars throughout the city. This plan is brilliant and will allow Copenhagen to harness wind energy during the night, typically a time of power waste.
www.bcycle.
