Cycling offers several environmental benefits in comparison to other motorised vehicles. While its fair to assume that a cycle cannot replace mortised means of transport in all cases, there lies tremendous opportunities to reap the environmental benefits of cycling for shorter commutes and make a positive impact on the environment. Lets try to understand some of these benefits.
Zero Carbon Emissions ♻️
Bicycles produce no emissions while being ridden. Compare that to cars, where an average car emits about 4.6 metric tons of CO₂ per year, and you can quickly realize how cities could dramatically cut greenhouse gases by adopting more bicycle rides, especially for shorter commutes.
Reduction in Air Pollution 🍃
Motor vehicles release pollutants like nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particulate matter. Cycling reduces the number of cars, which means cleaner, healthier air, especially in cities.
Decreases Noise Pollution 🔇
Bicycles are almost silent compared to motor vehicles. Less traffic noise improves quality of life for both humans and for animals around us.
Cuts Down on Traffic Congestion 🚦
A single bike takes up far less road space than a car. Hence, more cyclists translate to less traffic jams. Infact that also leads to less idling cars which further translating to better air quality.
Conserves Land, Green Spaces & Forests 🌳
Cars need parking lots, wide roads, and highways which often leads to deforestation. Bicycles on the other hand need far less space, helping cities preserve more parks, forests, and natural landscapes.
Saves Energy and Resources ⚡
Manufacturing a bicycle requires about 5% of the materials and energy needed to make a car. Furthermore no fuel is needed except for body calories. Bikes are hence more sustainable to produce, maintain, and recycle.
Reduces Water Pollution 💧
Oil, gasoline, and other vehicle fluids often leak and wash into rivers and lakes. Cycling has no spills, no chemical runoff and hence contributes to cleaner waterways.
Supports Sustainable Urban Development 🏙️
Cities that promote cycling tend to be greener, more walkable, and community-friendly. Cycling also encourages investment in bike lanes, greenways, and public spaces, making cities more liveable.
Environment benefits of cycling compared to other means of transport
A comparison of some popular mode of transportation and their respective CO₂ Emissions per km will further put the environment benefits of cycling in context
| Mode of Transport | CO₂ Emissions per km |
|---|
| Cycling 🚴♂️ | ~21 grams (mainly from food energy!) |
| Walking 🚶♂️ | ~28 grams (also food energy) |
| Electric Bike ⚡🚴♂️ | ~9-15 grams (battery charging emissions) |
| Public Bus 🚌 | ~100–120 grams (depends on bus occupancy) |
| Train (Electric) 🚄 | ~40–60 grams (very efficient if full) |
| Car (Gasoline/Petrol) 🚗 | ~271 grams (average occupancy: 1.5 people) |
| Car (Diesel) 🚙 | ~250 grams (similar to petrol, slightly more efficient per liter) |
| Motorbike/Scooter 🛵 | ~110 grams |
| Flight (Domestic) ✈️ | ~255 grams (per passenger per km) |