In many cities in the world, bicycles are becoming more common, and the roadways are expanding to accommodate the riders. It is no secret that the world needs to cut down on its dependence on the automobile and the consumption of gas and oil. Some riders choose to leave their cars at home and commute to work in order to their part. In some cities the traffic congestion is so bad, that it is sometimes quicker to get where one is going if taking a bicycle, and or quite often it is less stressful to pedal a bike along than to deal with the craziness of a traffic jam. The American city of Portland has a bike share program, as well as does the city of Paris.
The public buses and light rail train in Phoenix, Arizona makes way for the transportation of the bicycles of those splitting the commute between a ride and public transit. In Copenhagen, more than thirty five percent of the population commutes to work each day via two wheels and a helmet and the cyclists are demanding that the already existing, well designed web of paths through the city be widened in order to ease the traffic and the congestion. And in Australia, as part of the Sustainable Sydney 2030 Project, () they may be well on their way to becoming the most bicycle, and rider, friendly city in the world.
Many locals and tourists already prefer to walk or bike from their houses or hotels to the activities at Sydney Harbour, or for a night out at one of the top restaurants. Sydney is shedding its addiction to the car. The future for it may be a web of widely paved paths, less cluttered with traffic, noise pollution, and gas fumes. Officials and public planners state that while Sydney is a great place to visit, they would like to make it a great place to live, by attempting to get rid of traffic in the center of the city, and create various public parks and squares in more areas. Not only is it healthy for the environment, but it creates a more vibrant social atmosphere and a healthier life style.