Were you caught up in all the holiday weekend traffic? Queues of cars belching exhaust fumes in to the atmosphere as millions of people made a dash for the great outdoors.
Or maybe you’re concerned by last week’s news of the Wilkins Ice Shelf breaking away and suggestions that climate change is likely to exceed expectations.
If so, maybe it’s time to do something about it. As a source of so much CO2 emissions, cars are a big part of the problem and a major contributor to climate change.
Consider the alternatives
Believe it or not, those of us without cars do actually manage to get about! Being without a car doesn’t mean you’ll be housebound and unable to travel wherever you want.
Most developed countries have an excellent network of public transport connecting you with places, locally and nationally, by bus and train (and ferry and tram in some places).
And if you want to reduce your impact on the environment even more, as well as save money and get fit in the process, get on your bike and consider cycling as a real alternative to the gas-guzzling car.
Better for you, better for the planet
Cycling is not just a great way to get about, it’s a fantastic way to get fit too. Getting out of the driving seat and onto a saddle is a cardiovascular workout and weight-loss program in one!
In addition to saving money and improving your health, getting on your bike will help improve the health of the planet too by reducing your carbon footprint and your impact on the environment.
Cycling is a solution to health and transport issues which we urgently need to address, for our own sake and for the sake of the planet.
Finding cycle routes
Most major towns and cities now have dedicated cycle lanes and routes. In the UK, many disused railway lines have been converted to cycle paths. But sometimes finding a good route, particularly if you’re not familiar with the area, can be a problem.
That’s where sharing information about cycle routes can really help. You’ll find more information and maps of cycle routes online. A great place to start is on the Bikely website.
Bikely is a growing community of cyclists, from all over the world, sharing knowledge about cycle routes.
Find shortcuts and cycle lanes on busy commuter routes as well as off-road cycling away from the traffic. Bikely has maps together with notes from other cyclists to help you plan a journey or just get outdoors and enjoy an area.
The benefits of cycling
We realise cycling may not always be an option – some countries, particularly in Europe, are more bike-friendly than others, making it easier for cyclists to get about – but the benefits make it worthwhile.
Even if you keep the car (and continue pumping CO2 in to the atmosphere) you might consider cycling for recreation and exercise. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, especially if you can get off-road.
You can also work off stress – and a few pounds – by using a bike to commute to work, take the kids to school or do the shopping.
We hope we’ve convinced you of the benefits of cycling, even if only for some of the journeys you make. By cycling more often you’ll save money, keep fit and reduce your impact on the planet.
2 comments… read them below or add yours now
Except for horses, bikes are the greenest and most eco-friendly way to get around. I like the idea of the Bikely website for sharing info about cycle routes. I signed up so I can share what I know about the local roads and cycle paths. I wish more people would get on their bikes so the roads would be safer and the air would be cleaner :)
A great article, Paul. I hope people are persuaded. As you know, I’m a keen cyclist and wish, like Katie, that more people would get on their bikes. Keep on cycling (and recycling)!