Biking: Alternative or necessity?

We all are aware of our contribution in global warming. One of the main factors responsible for environment pollution is vehicles. Seems many countries are growing eco-conscious by substituting cycles for other modes of transportation. Paris is the latest city to join the race of healthy commuting. It has launched Velibs- free public bicycles for commuters to pick up and drop off at will.
Where many cities are opting bicycles as mode of healthy commuting, there are places in the world where biking is not just an alternative mode of commuting but an ethical craze or a hobby. Owning a bicycle can make the difference between earning a living or not, getting an education or not and receiving medical care or dying. Yes, you’ve read it right! In rural parts of Africa, there are so poor people that they have to go walking several miles to reach their destinations. Even the school kids have to walk more than ten miles everyday to reach their school.
No doubt, there are several charities across the US, Canada, England and Australia that provide bikes to the poorest people around the world. Chicago based World Bicycle Relief, New Jersey based Pedals for Progress are few such charities that are enthusiastic about its programs about donating bikes to the needy people. Still there are many people across the world that live below poverty line and are in dire need of help. Our individual steps can help them and the world in many ways.
Source: ABC News
Tags: Biking, Velibs, Africa, Travel