Geraint Thomas stayed in the yellow jersey (fastest overall time) today, on the Champs-Elysees to win Le Tour de France!
It was a sprinter’s victory today in Paris on the final day of the 2018 Tour de France!
After three weeks of trying, Alexander Kristoff finally got his stage win, on the most prestigious stage. This is his 3rd stage win in his Tour de France career. Well done Alexander!!
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Posted 7-28 18
Geraint Thomas stayed in the yellow jersey today, after the time trial stage, to win Le Tour de France!
The final stage is tomorrow on the Champs-Elysees, but the winners are already determined. No change in classification is made on the final day, but it should be an exciting finish, as the sprinters try to win the stage 21 victory!
Researchers at McGill University in Montreal have come up with some answers as to what type of cyclists are on the road.
Their new study divides cyclists into four types: dedicated cyclists, path-using cyclists, fairweather utilitarians, and leisure cyclists.
“Cycling as a means of transportation has increased in many European and American cities.” “From what was seen by many as a recreational or physical activity, cycling also has become a mode to commute in urban areas.”
The study included 2,000 cyclists, who participated in an online, bilingual survey. The researchers divided up the respondents this way.
Path-using cyclists (36 percent) are motivated by the fun of riding, its convenience, and the identity that cycling gives them. They’d rather use a continuous route, rather than dodge cars. They were actively encouraged by their parents to ride for fitness and to get places.
Dedicated cyclists (24 percent) are motivated by speed, predictability and flexibility that bike trips offer. These cyclists are the least likely to be deterred by the weather. They aren’t as interested in bike paths, and actually enjoy riding in traffic. The researchers say these cyclists consider riding to be an important part of their identity.
Fairweather utilitarians (23 percent) are just that. They like to ride in good weather, and they’ll take another form of transportation in rain or snow. These are also bike path users, and they don’t necessarily see themselves as cyclists.
Leisure cyclists (17 percent) ride because it is fun, and not as much for commuting. They prefer bike paths, don’t like to deal with traffic, and want to feel safe, especially when riding with family members.
The study found that cycling demographics are changing rapidly. In a 2008 Montreal study, conducted before Bixi and the growth of bike paths, 65 percent were men and 35 percent women. But in 2013, the study included 60 percent men and 40 percent women.
The age of cyclists also is dropping. The average age of the 2013 cyclists was 37.3 years old, compared with 42 years old in a 2008 study. But the study also showed cyclists’ income skews high. In 2008, 13 percent of cyclists had a household income of $100,000 or more. In the 2013, one-quarter of the respondents’ household income was above $100,000.
The researchers found, based on their study, that each group has different needs, when it comes to what motivates them. Empasizing health benefits doesn’t motivate the dedicated cyclist, but works for the new cyclist.
Although dedicated cyclists may have some interest in bike paths, in general they consider them to be for slower leisure cyclists, and joggers. “Building a network adapted to the cyclist population, and emphasizing its convenience, flexibility and speed would be an effective strategy to increase cycling frequency,” the McGill researchers said.
