If only there were some other cheaper and more efficient mode of transportation that basically solves every single issue you mentioned. If only...
If only there were some other cheaper and more efficient mode of transportation that basically solves every single issue you mentioned. If only...
Do you mean bikes?
Even assuming that you can inconvenience large, double digit percentages of the population to use bikes as transportation, other large, double digit percentages of the population will fight bike infrastructure tooth and nail because for them it's worth (statistically) killing some people rather than slightly inconveniencing them.
Let alone fighting the car and oil and gas lobby.
I say this as a bike fan. I think bikes will ultimately win out a large share of transportation in most countries, in urban areas, but will be a long tough fight and I think we'll be where I hope everyone would be (the Netherlands) right about when I die, in 30-40-50 years...
There's many conditions that must be met to make cycling a good option.
Thie distance must be fairly short. You must be relatively young/fit/healthy/able-bodied. The weather must OK (not frequently too cold/hot/wet). The terrain must be fairly flat. The traffic conditions must be not-suicidal. There must secure bike storage at both ends. Ideally, shower/changing facilities at both ends for bad-weather days.
> This distance must be fairly short.
Not really a factor in dense urban environments. Everything within 5km is easily reachable within ~15 mins. Especially so once you factor in ebikes.
> You must be relatively young/fit/healthy/able-bodied.
Relatively is doing a lot of work there. This is not true for the most part and again, ebikes.
> The weather must OK (not frequently too cold/hot/wet).
The weather is mostly ok in most places most of the time. Frequency barely matters, you can always leave your bike home and walk/use public transportation instead if the weather that day isn't suitable.
> The terrain must be fairly flat.
Gears exist. Ebikes nullify this regardless.
> The traffic conditions must be not-suicidal.
This is the only real problem - dedicated biking infrastructure, physically separated from cars is required. However, it's usually an excuse more than a real issue. Biking infrastructure is astoundingly cheap compared to anything else.
> There must secure bike storage at both ends.
Depends on the trip type. It's usually not a problem due to extremely low cost - 5 U-shaped pipes attached to the ground gives you 10 bike parking spaces in a tiny area. If popping into a shop for 5 mins it's usually enough to just lock the bike to itself. It's unlikely a thief would carry off a bike in that time. Otherwise, keep the bike is naturally secure at home/workplace.
Plus, if it does get stolen, bikes are cheap and a dime a dozen.
> Ideally, shower/changing facilities at both ends for bad-weather days.
Unnecessary for most people in most conditions, but if it is an issue, usually cycling slower or getting an ebike works fine.