The environmental benefits of cycling on Earth Day and everyday

 As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s delve into the myriad ways commuting by bike benefits not just the environment, but also your health, wallet, and community. Are you ready to embark on a journey towards a greener, healthier planet?

Sustainability—it’s a word we hear often, yet its meaning can be as vast as the Earth itself. At its core, sustainability is about caring for our planet and its inhabitants. It’s about reducing our carbon footprint, improving air quality, and fostering a healthier ecosystem for all living beings.

When you hop on a commuter, hybrid, or electric bike, you’re not just making a choice about transportation. You’re making a statement—a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. Here’s why:

1. Lowering Your Carbon Footprint

By choosing to cycle instead of driving, you’re directly reducing your carbon footprint. Every pedal stroke represents a step towards a cleaner, greener environment. Imagine the impact if more of us swapped car keys for bike handles!

2. Reliance on Pedal Power, Not Fossil Fuels

There’s no such thing as zero footprint or carbon neutral, literally. The best we can do is minimize our impact by making incremental changes to what we already do every day. For instance, if you must drive, consider carpooling. If you have a scooter or motorcycle, consider switching to an electric version or an e-bike; most importantly, make sure the charging station offers renewable energy like solar power. The key is to reduce our reliance on inefficient vehicles and fossil fuels. Cycling is a great option because the only energy we’re consuming is our own and it comes with health benefits!

3. Lower Costs, Lower Footprint

Every purchase we make has an impact. We want to choose products that are efficient, that last for a long time, and don’t produce toxic byproducts at any stage of the product’s life. It’s also a lot gentler on your wallet long-term! Repairing and maintaining bikes is also easy and fast – whether you do the work yourself or take it to your local bike shop mechanic. Many of the tools for repair and maintenance can be bought at your local bike shop as well – and some retailers even offer basic intro seminars you can take to learn to fix a flat tire, for example.

4. Improved Air Quality for Everyone

Cycling is not just about personal health; it also impacts the health of our planet. According to studies like “Environmental and Traffic Congestion Benefits of Cycling,” by Granville et al. (2001), cycling is environmentally friendly, silent, and emits no emissions, unlike motorized transport which contributes to noise pollution and reduces air quality. The same study found that cycling can reduce congestion and journey times for other road users, particularly in urban areas.

Additionally, the study by McGrath found that for every perceived increase in safety of 10 per cent, there was an observed increase in cycling of over 10 per cent. This indicates that attitudes toward cycling are positive, viewing it as healthy, a stress-reliever, and a good family activity.

5. Increased Safety for All

Investing in active transportation, such as cycling, can save lives. Studies like “Safety in Numbers” by Peter Jacobsen (2003) and recent data from the Portland Office of Transportation show that as cycling rates increase, the risk per rider decreases significantly. Motorists adjust their behavior when more cyclists are on the road, leading to a reduction in collisions between motorists and cyclists.

6. Healthier Communities

Improving the walking and cycling environment has social, economic, and environmental benefits. Active transportation is associated with increased social interaction, social networks, and social capital. Research also shows that investments in cycling infrastructure generate more jobs per dollar spent than investments in road-only infrastructure.

In Toronto, for example, where 70% of commuters use cars, investing in active transportation can reduce congestion, fuel costs, and improve access to facilities and services. It can also contribute to increased economic value of local properties and keep more money within the local economy.

7. Climate Protection and Economic Benefits

Lastly, let’s not forget the impact on climate protection. While a solo driver in an average car releases about 1.1 pounds of CO2 per mile, a bicyclist releases none. Even a Toyota Prius releases about 0.6 pounds of CO2 per mile. Investing in cycling infrastructure can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

So, on this Earth Day and every day, let’s pedal towards a brighter, cleaner future. Embrace the joy of cycling, reduce your carbon footprint, and inspire others to join the movement. After all, the Earth is our shared home, and it’s up to each of us to protect it.