Amid growing concern about climate change and its impact on human and environmental health, cycling brings numerous reasons for joy. It is a fun activity for all ages that boosts energy levels and offers many benefits beyond sheer enjoyment. Cycling, as a form of physical activity, enhances personal fitness while playing a pivotal role in addressing environmental issues, specifically in reducing CO2 emissions.
Environmental Impact and CO2 reduction
World Bicycle Day is observed on June 3rd every year to celebrate the myriad benefits of cycling for our health and environment. Cycling significantly contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. In the European Union, cycling reduces CO2 emissions by over 16 million tons each year, comparable to the total annual CO2 emissions of a country like Croatia.
According to an Institute of Transportation and Developmental Policy study, if cycling accounted for 20% of urban commuting globally, it could reduce CO2 emissions from urban passenger transport by nearly 11% by 2050. This reduction is substantial in the fight against climate change, highlighting the importance of promoting the simple bicycle as a primary mode of transport.
Cycling’s carbon footprint is remarkably low. Research indicates that cycling generates approximately 21 grams of CO2 per kilometre, even lower than the emissions from walking or using public transport.
The Global Potential of Cycling
The atmosphere would be much cleaner if everyone cycled as much as the Dutch. In the Netherlands, people cycle about 2.6 km every day. If this becomes a global trend, it could reduce CO2 emissions by 686 million metric tons annually, effectively eliminating 19.4% of global passenger car emissions from 2022.
Reducing pollution from transportation is vital to addressing climate change, the effects of which are evident from increasingly severe heat waves, droughts, and storms. Transportation contributes a quarter of fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions globally, with half coming from passenger cars. While electric vehicles are often promoted, the transition is slow and doesn’t fully address sustainable transportation.
We need communities designed for public transportation, walking and cycling. Despite bicycle production being higher than cars since 1962, usage remains low, especially in the US where bikes are used mainly for leisure rather than commuting.
The Netherlands and Denmark have high bike usage due to a long-established cycling culture and the necessary infrastructure. Conversely, high traffic death rates make cycling unsafe in some places. Overcoming these barriers requires global pro-bicycle policies and infrastructure, such as protected bike lanes, carbon taxes, or congestion pricing.
Pollution Reduction
Urban areas grapple with significant air pollution, primarily due to vehicle emissions. The combustion of fossil fuels releases pollutants such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, which harm the environment and pose severe health risks. By opting for bicycles over cars, individuals can significantly reduce these harmful emissions, thereby improving outdoor air quality. A study in the UK found that if cycling levels returned to those of the 1940s, the net saving could reach around 7.7 million tons annually.
The Role of E-Bikes
E-bikes are instrumental in further promoting cycling, especially in hilly areas or for longer commutes. They make cycling more accessible and convenient, encouraging more people to replace car journeys with bike rides. Studies show that they have an even lower carbon cost than conventional bicycles due to the reduced need for extra food energy per kilometre travelled, making them a viable option for reducing overall transportation emissions.
Join the movement
This World Bicycle Day, let’s ride a mile to celebrate the joy of cycling and its profound health & environmental benefits. By cycling, we can directly contribute to a cleaner, greener future.
Sources
Towards a cycling-friendly city: An updated review of the associations between built environment and cycling behaviors (2007–2017)
A Global High Shift Cycling Scenario
How green is cycling? Riding, walking, ebikes and driving ranked
To fight climate change, we need to start biking like the Dutch
10 Ways Bicycles Are Promoting Sustainability Worldwide
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