Bicycling

This is the first time that I have been to Europe. I had heard that many people ride their bicycles in Eurpe than in the United States, and it really is true. In America, I see children and parents riding bikes to the park or around the neighborhood. However, the average American does not ride his bike to school or work. This is not so here in Italy. I see all types of people riding their bikes at all times of day and night. Young and old people, people dressed in skirts and people dresssed in sweats. Not only is riding your bike a great way to arrive at your destination quicker than if you were to walk, but it also lets you avoid annoying and sometimes heavy traffic, and it also is better for the environment than driving. The only problem would come if it rains. However, plenty of people ride motorcycles or vespas, so they would get a little wet just the same. Granted, biking is made easy in Italy, as they are paths on most every main street that is specifically for bikers. Any way you look at it, I know that it would be ridiculous to think that we can adopt this in America, at least not in the near future. Nevertheless, I think it is great that so many Europens ride their bikes everywhere in the city.