As life gets more chaotic and fast, many people look for ways to slow things down and pick up healthy habits. Now more than ever, it’s important to reflect on our lifestyles and see what we can do to ensure a better tomorrow not only for us but for future generations as well.
Pollution and carbon emissions are higher than ever, and planet Earth is really suffering. Additionally, the average US citizen leads an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle, which results in many long-term diseases and health conditions.
A big part of the problem is air pollution. The air we breathe is becoming more polluted each second, and it seems many are still reluctant to change their habits.
Transport is the number one cause of air pollution. The large number of vehicles and daily commuters negatively affect air quality, and the issue keeps getting worse. In order to make a step forward towards a better tomorrow, it’s important to find sustainable alternatives.
Naturally, the number one option that pops up is cycling. It’s a great way to move your body but also reach our desired destination quite quickly. But, are cities around the US truly ready to welcome cyclists?
In the next paragraphs, we’ll take a look at the benefits of cycling and also shed some light on how this method of transport can help shape a greener tomorrow.
The advantages of cycling
Cycling is an excellent form of exercise that provides a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.
It strengthens the cardiovascular system, improving heart health and reducing the risk of conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. Some studies show that 6 months of cycling can reduce blood pressure by 11.8%. Now imagine what long-term cycling can do for you.
Unlike high-impact activities such as running, cycling is gentle on the joints, making it an ideal workout for people of all ages.
Beyond physical health, cycling has significant mental health benefits. Engaging in outdoor activities like cycling can reduce stress, boost mood, and enhance overall mental well-being. You can listen to your favourite podcast or listen to your new audiobook while riding your bike and have some quality time with yourself.
Why cycling is a sustainable alternative compared to other transportation methods
As mentioned, cycling is probably the best alternative to cars and other vehicles that emit harmful gas into the air. Of course, walking is also a good option but this only works if you’re not required to travel long distances during the day.
Even though cycling is also not a good alternative if you really have to take a longer trip with your family, for instance, for people who work near their homes or have to go to school, cycling could be a good fit.
However, many people are reluctant to take their bikes as most US cities currently have a problem with a lack of dedicated bike lanes. This means cyclists would have to drive alongside cars and other motor vehicles, leaving room for accidents to happen.
Bike accidents are actually quite common and they usually require the help of a bicycle accident attorney, as the victims usually can’t deal with all the legal complexities on their own.
But, local authorities can change that, they just need to realize the importance of building cycling communities.
Zero emissions and reduced carbon footprint
Cycling is one of the most eco-friendly modes of transportation because it produces zero emissions. Unlike cars and motorcycles, which burn fossil fuels and release harmful greenhouse gases, bicycles rely entirely on human power.
This significantly reduces an individual’s carbon footprint, helping to combat climate change and improve air quality.
Since transportation is a major contributor to CO₂ emissions worldwide, widespread adoption could drastically cut pollution levels, making cities healthier and more sustainable.
Less traffic jams
The main thing that makes most drivers anxious is the constant traffic jams during rush hours. In addition to being energy-efficient, cycling helps ease traffic congestion, particularly in densely populated areas.
Bicycles require far less space than cars, both on the road and for parking, reducing the need for large parking lots and excessive road networks. Also, with dedicated bike lanes, cyclists would have no need to mix with other vehicles.
This shift promotes sustainable urban development, encouraging the creation of bike-friendly infrastructure, pedestrian zones, and green spaces instead of car-dominated streets.
Lower resource consumption
Another key sustainability advantage of cycling is that bicycles are less resource-intensive to manufacture and maintain compared to motor vehicles.
Producing a bicycle requires significantly fewer raw materials such as metal, plastic, and rubber than making a car, reducing the environmental impact of resource extraction and industrial manufacturing.
Also, bicycles cause minimal wear and tear on roads, leading to lower maintenance costs and a reduced need for infrastructure repairs.
With other motor vehicles, you always need to work on road maintenance and invest money in building the next highway. But with bikes, those costs are reduced.
Better air quality and reduced noise pollution
As mentioned, cycling helps improve air quality. It contributes to cleaner air by eliminating exhaust emissions that contribute to smog and respiratory illnesses.
In cities where cycling is widely adopted, air quality improves significantly, leading to healthier living conditions for residents. On top of that, bikes also help reduce noise pollution. They operate silently, unlike cars, buses, and motorcycles that generate constant noise pollution, especially in urban areas where roads are always busy.
The key takeaways: Cycling as a healthy alternative
So, are you ready to wipe the dust off your bike and hit the road? You’d not only be doing yourself a favor by getting the necessary physical exercise, but you’d also help protect the environment and reduce air pollution.
Cycling is a great alternative to motor vehicles, and even though we’re fully aware it’s not possible to completely ditch your car, try to use cycling as an alternative whenever possible.
By promoting cycling and creating communities of cycling enthusiasts, we can help spread awareness about the need for better and more sustainable transport options.
