Cycling has a number of benefits to individuals and the wider community. Firstly, it’s an excellent form of physical activity, with significant health benefits. Secondly, by offering an alternative to motorised transport, it presents an effective method of reducing transport related greenhouse gas emissions. Thirdly, cycling is an economically efficient activity, as it lowers transport costs, through reduced fuel expenditure and individual contributions to congestion. Finally, cycling enhances the livability and social health of communities.
The need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has become an issue of primary concern in the community and amongst all levels of government. In Australia, transport accounts for over 1/3 of household greenhouse gas emissions. Cycling represents a zero emission form of transport and is therefore capable of providing significant environmental benefits. This is especially true for the 30 – 40% of trips in our cities covering less than 2km.
Quantifying CO2 savings of cycling (EU)
13th Dec 2011
A December 2011 report by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF) quantifies the emissions savings of cycling compared with other modes of transport. It found emissions from cycling were over 10 times lower than those stemming from the passenger car. Comparing cars, buses, electric assisted bicycles and normal bicycles, ECF investigated how cycling could help the EU achieve its 2050 GHG reduction targets for Transport. According to the study, if EU citizens were to cycle as much as the Danes in 2000, (an average of 2.6km a day), it would help the EU meet more than a quarter of the targeted emission reductions for the transport sector.
Life Cycle Assessment of Transportation Options for Commuters (United States)
16th Aug 2011
This research paper by Shreya Dave, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), was published in February 2010. It compares modes of transportation in terms of their environmental impact by conducting a complete life cycle assessment. According to this study, walking, conventional bicycling and electric bicycling are release exactly the same amount of greenhouse gas emissions. All forms of personal transport are at least three times better than any other form of commuter transport.
Business is Better by Bike Awards, Devon
28th Oct 2010
Bicycle England, Dept for Transport
