A small but shining silver lining: The corona-virus has quickened the change to pedal power in Europe. The German Cycling Association (ADFC) reports that Germans across the country are spending twice as much time biking as they were before the COVID-19. There is a growing demand for bikes and shared-bikes, and now even shortages throughout bicycle supply chain. For bike shops it’s an unexpected increase.
In unimagined numbers, bikes are starting to take the place of cars in our cities. It has increased 930 miles of new bike lanes in Europe. Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands are pioneering fast lanes for riders. “Pop-up lanes” are being used for bikes in Berlin and Paris; Rome has painted new bike lanes, in each case taking away lanes from cars.
Women riders are reportedly another big factor in the biking transformation. E-bikes are, too. E-bikes use an onboard battery to boost power when the rider is going up a hill, or just needs a rest. E-bikes have removed “the sweat factor.” Who wants to show up to work or a party sweaty?
The European Cyclists’ Federation states that bikes are also strongly supported by European governments to cut carbon and increase the quality of their cities. European countries provide direct financial support for cyclists. At the end of April, France announced a 20 million Euro plan to promote cycling after the end of the lockdown. The plan includes 50 Euro vouchers for the repair of a bike. Italy worked on a regulation for Covid recovery, by means of which 120 million Euro was set aside to cover 70% and up to 500 Euro of the price of conventional, muscle-powered and electric bikes.
【小题1】What is the passage mainly about?| A．The popularity of bicycles in Europe. | B．The preference for bicycles globally. |
| C．The impact of the pandemic on people’s life. | D．The change in choice on public transportation. |
| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Five. |
| A．More women in Europe go to work by bike than men. |
| B．Europeans choose bikes mainly for financial support. |
| C．E-bikes become popular because of Europeans’ laziness. |
| D．Measures have been taken to encourage Europeans to use bikes. |
| A．A guidebook. | B．A newspaper. | C．A science report. | D．A business plan. |
