Whether it is climate awareness of the problem of high oil-prices, I imagine that the contribution of the last factor has been more of a motivator for (local) governments to act.
For four years that I live in Spain I hear about local government initiatives to make minor changes to the road infrastructure: a minimal gesture that is not without strategic impact: a special drive-way for bicycles. Four years were needed to overcome resistance over this topic. The discussion is not simple: there is no space.
But that's the whole idea of a strategic change. If you want to get cars out of the center of cities, an initiative to reserve dedicated space to bicycles and motors only will bring about a big change that is far more than simple awareness.
In the south of Spain, it shouldn't be hard to think of some next steps. The sun is shining most of the days and special solar-aided vehicles may soon become reality (this may help on those hot days to prevent the riders to arrive all-sweated at the office). All energy saving vehicles on the dedicated bicycle roads...
More bicycles will also mean a healthier society; more exercises, showers at work... in fact a complete different infrastructure than know until now. But let's save all that for later, let's start with the special drive for bicycles and signals car-drivers to get out of the way, because this change is only the beginning.
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