> Bikes benefit a lot from […] smooth asphalt (not cobbles)
Bicycle riding societies were some of the more vocal proponents on paved roads (predating the automobile):
* https://www.vox.com/2015/3/19/8253035/roads-cyclists-cars-hi...
* https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2011/aug/1...
* https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/american-drivers-thank...