In the 1970s, the oil crises and rising environmental awareness led to a resurgence in bicycle commuting as a sustainable alternative to car travel. This movement highlighted the bicycle's role in promoting environmental sustainability and reducing urban congestion. The increased popularity of cycling during this period influenced urban planning and transportation policies, encouraging cities to invest in bike lanes and infrastructure to support this eco-friendly mode of transport.

Since 1970, the bicycle's role in environmental movements has been celebrated in eco-poetry, where poets like Gary Snyder use bicycles as symbols of harmony and stewardship. This imagery reflects a broader commitment to sustainability and the interconnectedness of human and natural worlds.