Bangladesh Ranked Among Top 15 Countries for Cycling

Bangladesh has made it to the list of the top 15 countries for cycling, as per a recent study published in Scientific American. The research, which analyzed data from over 11,500 cities across 121 countries, highlights the increasing popularity of cycling in countries where dense populations and ample bike lanes exist.

According to the findings, the Netherlands' Wageningen is currently the top city for cycling, where most of the population uses bikes regularly. The study further indicates that cycling is particularly prevalent in cities with well-developed infrastructure.

While Bangladesh's name appeared on the list for cycling, the country’s performance in walking is less commendable. The study found that people in developing countries like Bangladesh walk extensively, often due to necessity rather than leisure. Carol Tarley Volgaris from Harvard University explained that walking in such countries is often driven by the lack of personal vehicles and the need to save on transportation costs.
 

Interestingly, the study debunked the myth that extreme weather conditions in Bangladesh, such as the heat and rainfall, deter cycling or walking. The research suggests that the actual barrier to cycling and walking is not the weather, but the quality of roads, with uneven and hilly paths being a significant challenge.
 

While walking rates in Bangladesh are high, it’s often a necessity to avoid traffic congestion, not a choice driven by comfort. However, Bangladesh's urban areas mostly consist of flat terrain, which makes the environment more conducive for walking and cycling if infrastructure improves.
 

The report also pointed out that the United States has a very low percentage of cycling commuters (just 1%), while the Netherlands boasts 28%. The example of Osaka, Japan, where cars drive slowly to allow pedestrians to walk safely, and Nairobi, Kenya, which spends a significant portion of its budget on pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, provides useful lessons for Bangladesh.
 

Experts believe that if Bangladesh can adopt a safer and more efficient cycling network, it could reduce car emissions and improve public health, ultimately saving on healthcare costs.