📘 Part 3: Cycling

This episode's vocabulary

Intensity (noun) - the quality of being very serious and having strong emotions or opinions.

Pedestrian (noun) - a person who is walking, especially in an area where vehicles go.

Run-ins (noun) - if you have a run-in with someone, you have a serious argument with them or you get into trouble with them.

Infrastructure (noun) - the basic structure of an organization or system which is necessary for its operation, esp. public water, energy, and systems for communication and transport.

Haven (noun) - a safe or peaceful place.

Nimble (adj.) - quick and exact either in movement or thoughts.

Versatility (noun) - the quality of being versatile (= able to change easily or to be used for different purposes).

Engage (verb) - to become involved, or have contact, with someone or something.

Viable (adj.) - able to work as intended or able to succeed.

Phase out (phrasal verb) - to remove or stop using something gradually or in stages.

Terrain (noun) - an area of land, when considering its natural features.

Jaunt (noun) - a short journey for pleasure, sometimes including a stay.

Neuroplasticity (noun) - brain's ability to learn.

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Questions and Answers

Maria: Do you think cycling is a good form of exercise?

Rory: I imagine that depends on how regularly you do it and the intensity with which you do it. But let's say you do it both regularly and intensively, then, yes, if you only do it once or twice a month and it's just to the local shop and back then it's not really going to be effective, is it?

Maria: Do you think that's bike commuting is better than driving?

Rory: Well, better for whom? I can think of many cyclists who would say it's good exercise for them, it saves petrol money, it saves the planet, and it saves time stuck in traffic jams. So a lot of saving. On the other side of the equation, there are numerous pedestrians who have had run-ins with cyclists, myself included. It also depends on the infrastructure in place for cycling in certain places. Some countries, like the Netherlands, are cycling havens, whereas cycling in Moscow or London can be like taking your life into your hands at times. So you'll have to clarify who it's better for, if you want a clear answer on that one.

Maria: What are the advantages of riding a bicycle and driving a car?

Rory: Seems like bikes are more nimble and offer greater versatility compared to cars in terms of places to park. I imagine they're they're probably easier to maintain as well. But I don't know a lot about bike maintenance while being more complex. Cars can travel at greater distances and far greater speeds. It's also preferable to be in a car if you have an accident rather than a bike. And probably fewer people dislike you as well.

Maria: Is it important to teach children to ride a bicycle?

Rory: I would say so. It's a good skill to learn that builds confidence and it could teach important lessons about safety and responsibility. So if you can do it, then why not?

Maria: Has people's attitudes towards bicycles and cycling changed over the years?

Rory: Well, more people see them as a serious means of transport rather than something you do to pass the time now, I suppose. That scene is more environmentally friendly by many people. At the same time, there are more people complaining about cyclists violating rules and engaging in dangerous behavior with minimal consequences. So attitudes have changed, but they're also more diverse.

Maria: Do you think more people will cycle in the future?

Rory: I'm not sure. I can see why people would see as an increasingly viable option, since many countries are phasing out certain kinds of car and the current electronic or electric models seem to be more expensive. But then again, I can see many people in Russia doing outside scores of peace because the terrain is so hostile.

Maria: Is it popular to ride bicycles in your country?

Rory: It's not unpopular for sure, but I don't think it's as popular as it is in Europe. This is probably connected to the weather and the terrain more than the cultural thing. I can't see many people riding bikes through the Scottish Highlands in the winter. By contrast, the Netherlands is quite a flat country, so lots of people could ride a bike there. It would be OK.

Maria: Do people in your country often travel by bike?

Rory: Well, in the south, yes, it's a common way of getting about. And in major cities in Scotland, I don't think it's as common a sight there just because of the reasons that I mentioned previously. But I haven't been back in a while. So what do I know?

Maria: Do you think a bicycle is very convenient for people to use?

Rory: Well, in most cases, for short distance jaunts, probably. You just unlock it and go, don't you? For longer journeys I have serious doubts. Unless you're some sort of hardcore biker, then I don't think it would stop you.

Maria: Is it difficult to learn to ride a bicycle?

Rory: Well, probably not overly so, especially if you're young. I think you tend to have greater neuroplasticity, so you can learn pretty well over a year or so. Maybe if you're older, if you have a health condition, slightly more difficult, but you have stabilizers and different kinds of bike to cater to this. So even then, it wouldn't be hard for somebody in these positions to learn if they hadn't in earlier life.

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