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Environment
The growth in automobile ownership and use throughout the 20th century has led to a long list of environmental impacts. Fortunately, the bicycle offers a tried and tested cure for many of the woes associated with the private automobile.
- The number of Russian cities exceeding pollution limits is increasing, primarily as a result of increased automobile use, which accounts for a large majority of air pollution in Russian cities. [6].
- The manufacturing and distribution of bicycles carries a relatively small environmental impact. Considering the complete lifecycle of a bicycle, the carbon output is 21 grams of CO2e per kilometre compared to 271 grams of CO2e per kilometre for a car, and 101 grams of CO2e per kilometre for a bus (based on european emissions levels) [7].
- Cycling requires no fossil fuels, toxic batteries, or motor oils.
- Per passenger kilometre, bicycles use only 56 calories of energy, whereas an average car uses 2976 calories [8].
Health and safety. It should come as no surprise that riding a bicycle is good for your health. Countless studies will prove that regular physical exercise of at least half an hour a day make for happier, healthier and more productive lives.
- A Danish study found that every year a person cycles adds 9 days to their total life expectancy. Factoring in increased life expectancy, saved sick days, better overall health and productivity, cycling is reported to add seven years of productive life in which citizens are working, earning money and paying taxes [9].
- A Danish study found that regular walking or cycling to and from work or school reduces the risk of premature death by 40%! [10]
- The benefits of regularly cycling outweigh the risks of accident 20:1 [11]
[12].
- Drivers behave more recklessly when riding next to cyclists wearing helmets [13].
- According to an international study, children who cycle to school are more active throughout the day than those who are driven to school [14].
- Cycling has a positive effect on mental health by increasing well-being and self-confidence and reducing tolerance to stress, tiredness and a range of medical symptoms [15].
- Cycling makes you ten years younger! Adults who regularly cycle to work have the fitness level of being 10 years younger [16].
- The level of pollution inside a car is often higher than the air outside! The average car driver breaths in twice as much Carbon Monoxide as a cyclists and 50% more Nitrogen Oxide [17].
Economy. At a fraction of the price of a car, bikes are accessible and affordable to everyone from executives to dishwashers. The key is to make them equally desirable to all.
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