​Celebrate Earth Day

Wednesday, April 22, 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of Earth Day.  Every year billions of people all over the world call for action to protect the environment on this global day of observance.  Due to COVID-19 this year’s call to action is not marked by gatherings, rallies, or group bike rides, but the sentiment still applies.    

With a stay at home order in affect and less fossil fuel vehicles on the road, scientists have reported a significant reduction in air pollution in the last month.  If we could only figure out a way to sustain this trend when our lives return to normal! 

One way is to expand cycling as the preferred mode for everyday transportation.   Cities where residents bike, walk, and use public transportation have significantly lower CO2 transport emissions than those that rely on private vehicles even when factoring in the footprint of a bike’s manufacture and maintenance. 

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Here are some eco-facts to boost the case for cycling for transportation:

• The average bike with a steel frame is made of 15 lbs. of steel, compared to an average of 1800 lbs. in a car, i.e. a bike consists of less than 1% steel material than a car.
• A bicycle uses only 35 calories of energy per passenger mile, compared to an average of 1860 calories for cars, 920 for buses, 885 for rail travel, and 100 calories for walking.  Yes, it is even more efficient than walking! 
• A bicycle is more space efficient for parking in that 6 to 20 bikes can park in a single car parking space in a paved lot. 
• In mixed traffic, a bicycle traveling in a one meter width equivalent right-of-way per hour can accommodate 1500 people whereas a car can accommodate 170 people.

But it is not just about the numbers--ask any cyclist and they will describe a sense of freedom, the opportunity to experience the great outdoors, and a sense of  joy that makes them feel healthier and happier while on a bike.    
The bicycle has a part to play in the Earth Day message today and every other day of the year.  Our lives are likely to continue to change after this pandemic, so here is an opportunity to make another change--make a shift to cycling.  It is good for the earth and it is good for you.  ​