Following are links to sites about sensible, healthy, non-polluting, pedal powered transport - ideas for creating cycling and pedestrian friendly towns and cities, and a little help on choosing a bike.

• Cyclists save nation - Age article on recent research results
• Excellent, comprehensive Wikipedia article: Utility Cycling - proven methods for developing a deep, fertile cycling culture.

Comfort, hybrid, city, or utility bicycles

If you are going to choose to jump on your bike, rather than take the car, then it helps to have a bike that is comfortable, easy to ride, and that can carry some luggage. You may not want one of the ubiquitous mountain or road bikes - there are alternatives.
1. Frames: step-through frames are suitable for ladies and gentlemen; diamond frames are suitable for the younger and more agile.
2. Bicycle categories: mountain bike - for riding up and down rocky or muddy tracks; road bike - for fast riding on relatively smooth surfaces; commuter bike - for riding around town, with occasional jaunts on unsealed country roads, in any weather, day or night. Then there are Comfort Mountain Bikes, Comfort Hybrids …

Following is a selection of bicycles worth considering. Please consult your local bike shop about your particular needs.

• Cykla - Skeppshult - manufactured using wind power
• Gazelle Bicycles
• Giant Cypress City | Sedona comfort mountain
• MamaBike - ideal for Mama or Dada and Bubba
• Velorbis

Commuter bicycle considerations: say you buy a bike for $1000 - it will probably last you 20 years - maybe a $25 service each year (or DIY) - that’s an annual transport cost of $75.

How do I carry bigger loads and children?

• A guide to carrying babies and toddlers
• Shopping by bike
• Christiania trikes
• My Smart Trolley

Commuter cycling around the world

Cycling is a major form of transport in many cities around the world, with very active support from government. Click on images to link to articles or video.

Cycling Friendly Cities

Cool Copenhagen: City of Cyclists, Part 1 of 5

Amazing Amsterdam

PS.

• $800 million cycling plan for London - The Age [more detail...]
• Two Wheels Good - Groningen: a Dutch city where 58% of all journeys are by bicycle [2.5MB pdf]
• European countries do not legislate helmet use - this they believe encourages more cycling, and hence improves community health.