Bicycle Beats Helicopter

Being the business hub of South America and one of the largest cities in the world has its bitter side: São Paulo has been drowning in a sea of automobiles (6 million and counting) for quite some time, and the future doesn't show any signs of improvement. Insufficient buses and subway lines, together with private vehicles mostly with single occupants, compose a scenario of daily chaos, with frequently over 80kms (50mi) of traffic jams in the main avenues.

This car-centric urban transport model is showing signs of exhaustion. The average São Paulo inhabitant spends almost three hours a day stuck in traffic jams. That's about 15 hours a week - or almost 2 working days. Apart from the economic and psychological damages, let alone the carbon footprint, this situation is a true hindrance for the city's development and for the well-being of the people who live in it.

It was in this scenario that the São Paulo Intermodal Challenge was held. The challenge was simple: to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible -- during rush hour -- using the mode of transportation of your choice. The goal was to raise awareness regarding a number of alternatives to cars, and to promote the World Carless Day, by proving that avoiding traffic -- and its consequences -- might just be a matter of choice.

The means of transportation chosen ranged from cars, bikes, motorbikes, and a helicopter to buses, metro, their own feet and even a wheelchair. Contrary to all forecasts, a biker won the challenge, with a total time of 22 minutes -- more than 10 minutes faster than the person on the helicopter, who spent a total of 33 minutes and 30 seconds between going to the heliport, waiting for takeoff clearance, flying and landing.

The car came way behind, with a total time of 1:22- slower than the runner, who took 1:06, the bus (1:11) and just 10 minutes faster than the person who chose to walk the whole path (1:32).

To read more, visit PSFK (this article was contributed by Mauricio Soares)

Comments

[kittyonice]

I'm not at all surprised that the bike won, I buzz by traffic during rush hour all the time, and regularly out-pedal the municipal bus on its route along where I ride. What I find most interesting is that the jogger beat the bus, & the walker was only ten minutes behind the driver! This to me really illustrates just how bound by our addiction to automobiles we are, and how it has strapped our society and culture in ways that is difficult for us to appreciate until we stop. Many people consider it normal to spend up to 8 hours a week in the car. Ugh!

I try to ride my bike as much as I can, but these days for me getting in my car on a regular basis is almost impossible to avoid. Still, I reckon I save a good penny by riding my bike to do errands nearby when I have the time. And, besides the exercise, it really give me a sense of freedom -- freedom from the tedium of traffic, from being a slave to the pump; and the satisfaction of being outside and seeing the world go by without getting stressed out as I would being in traffic. The invaluable exercise makes me stronger & releases endorphins, making for a happier, more relaxed me. And, think of how much healthier we Americans would be if we all took up cycling in place of driving when possible. Don't forget to wear a helmet!

[AndreMachado]

São is a perfect example of why giving everyone something might ruin it.

Cars used to be good, a fast way to to get where you want to go, and now its the worst way!