Research led by University of Oxford transportation professor Christian Brand has shown that choosing to ride a bicycle over driving reduces emissions by 67%.
Kansas City residents from both sides of the state line participated in this year’s Green Commute Challenge by using personal or shared ebikes, public transportation, or both to take cars off of the roads and instead ride bikes for shorter trips. Here are a few reasons to try biking for short trips:
It’s Fun
If you love nature and exercise, biking may be the ideal green commute option for you. Not only is it environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient – saving on gas expenses while cutting maintenance and parking fees costs significantly! But biking also adds fun and affordable transportation to any routine commute, helping reduce carbon emissions.
Studies demonstrate the many advantages associated with cycling as a mode of commuting: environmental, health and economic. Cycling emits no emissions while using only a fraction of materials and energy that are necessary to manufacture cars; moreover, 20 bicycles can fit in one car-size space!
Sustainable transport doesn’t produce exhaust fumes that exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions, and reduces noise pollution. Many cities have embraced sustainable modes of transport by adding buses and bike trails for public use; this helps lower carbon emissions while saving on oil and gas expenses and cutting traffic congestion.
Walking or jogging to work can be a great way to reduce your commute costs while getting in some exercise and clearing your mind before beginning each day. Working from home may even be more suitable as this does not require traveling out and saves on commute expenses.
As it’s unrealistic to make every trip car-free or rely solely on public transit, making other green choices is equally as important – like driving more efficiently and opting for hybrid vehicles when feasible; carpooling also helps reduce emissions, fuel consumption and maintenance costs while carpooling offers reduced emissions, fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance expenses. Also be sure to ask your insurance provider if they provide reduced rates or discounts for green drivers!
It’s Healthy
Biking to work can save money and carbon emissions while improving your health in other ways. Biking burns about 400 calories an hour for healthy people commuting by bike – making it an excellent way to lose weight! Plus, exercise benefits your heart, lungs, and muscles in numerous ways; studies have even indicated a lower risk for certain cancers and cardiovascular conditions for commuters who commute by bicycle!
Biking emits approximately half the carbon emissions produced by driving alone, and walking to work may also be an environmentally friendly commuting option for close distances and destinations that don’t exceed too far. Bus and metro services may provide even faster access.
If you need to drive to work, try making the most of it by switching to a hybrid or electric vehicle when possible. These vehicles emit less pollution, helping avoid traffic jams in many cities. Carpooling may save gas; check with your employer first as some may offer commuter benefits!
Consider investing in an eco-friendly commuter bike made of eco-friendly materials like bamboo. Not only will it outlive its predecessor in terms of longevity and value for money; you should purchase from a reliable manufacturer too!
Bike riding not only reduces carbon footprints but also water pollution. Fewer cars on the road mean fewer oil, antifreeze and other chemicals that leak into groundwater sources and pollute our waters. Furthermore, biking also cuts air pollution, noise pollution and avoids congestion – saving money and energy expenses through reduced energy expenses.
Of course, green commuting may not be realistic or practical for all; but if it is achievable for you and the environment, the benefits could be enormous. While it may take time to adapt to this lifestyle change, once it does become part of your routine you’ll feel proud that you are making an effort towards protecting it.
It’s Convenient
Bicycling can be an ideal green commute option if your work is within a few miles, as it’s quick, easy and affordable while helping burn calories while increasing daily step counts and providing fresh air benefits. Plus, each time you opt to bike instead of drive instead of transportation-related emissions are reduced!
Nearly every city in the U.S. now features bike lanes and/or public bicycle share programs like Divvy or Lyft for bicycle rental services. Chicago stands out as an exceptional biking city with plenty of bike lanes and an effective Divvy system; even without your own bike you can still reap its benefits by sharing with coworkers or friends while biking to work together.
Biking may not be your only green commuting option, but it’s one of the easiest. Walking, carpooling and using public transit can all help reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion while saving some money by not spending so much on gas or vehicle maintenance costs.
There may not always be the option to walk or bike to work and most workplaces have plenty of parking spots; but, if your goal is reducing environmental impact, here are a few green commuting strategies you could try when driving to your workplace.
Utilizing sustainable transportation such as bicycles can dramatically decrease pollution and greenhouse gases emissions, so if you want to do your part and protect the planet it makes sense to use more sustainable modes whenever possible. Plus, being a green commuter might even save on auto insurance! Enter your ZIP code now to compare rates and find an offer; and, if necessary, consider making your car as eco-friendly as possible when driving to work – that way, you’re doing your part towards combatting climate change and building a more sustainable future! Thanks again and happy commuting!
It’s Cheap
Utilizing sustainable transportation options such as cycling to work or carpooling can reduce carbon emissions and help create a healthier planet, but for some it can be daunting to switch from driving a car to using green commuting methods like biking or public transit. There are, however, some straightforward strategies available that can make starting out green commuting much less daunting.
One of the easiest and greenest ways to commute is on a bicycle. Not only will you save on gas and maintenance costs, but riding 10 miles will burn over 400 calories! So, whether it be weight loss or health improvements you seek, bike commuting could certainly be worth exploring as an option.
If you don’t already own one, why not rent one for the day from a bike share program in your city? Most cities provide these services as a convenient way for residents and tourists alike to get around town more efficiently; joining is free, and bikes can be found all around town. Plus – why not upgrade with an electric bike for even greater savings!
Take the bus as one of your eco-friendly solutions – this will allow you to avoid traffic jams while being productive on your computer during the ride! Not only that, but taking public transit also helps lower emissions by decreasing car usage on roads.
Even though buses, trains, and planes can help to alleviate congestion, they still emit harmful emissions into the atmosphere. According to studies conducted on taxi passengers alone, over 100,000 ultrafine particles (which can settle into your lungs causing respiratory issues) per cubic centimeter are inhaled while bus and car passengers only inhale less than 100,000 ultrafine particles per cubic centimeter compared with taxi passengers alone.
If public transit isn’t your cup of tea, carpool with coworkers or friends. Not only will this reduce emissions while helping you bypass rush hour traffic and save time!
