5 Reasons to Cycle More Often

Cycling offers numerous benefits for personal health, finances, and the environment. While some cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen have embraced cycling, improving infrastructure in many German cities is still needed. Here are five compelling reasons to choose your bicycle:

1. Increased Life Expectancy

Research suggests that regular cycling can add an average of 14 months to one’s life. Many car journeys, particularly those under 5 km, can be easily replaced by cycling. For distances under 5 km, cycling is often the fastest mode of transport. Additionally, consistent physical activity positively impacts mental well-being.

2. Reduced Fine Dust Exposure

Road traffic is a significant contributor to fine dust pollution in Germany, accounting for approximately 30% of the total, and up to 50% in large cities. By increasing the number of cyclists, we can substantially lower air pollutants like fine dust and nitrogen oxides, thereby protecting the environment.

3. Lower Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Cities with strong cycling infrastructure, such as Copenhagen where bicycles make up 27% of traffic, demonstrate significant environmental savings. Denmark saves around 90,000 tons of CO2 annually through cycling. Studies indicate that a shift towards cycling could reduce CO2 emissions by 11%. Specifically, replacing all car trips under 5 km with cycling can save 300 kg of CO2 emissions per person per year. Therefore, cycling, along with walking, is the most climate-friendly way to travel.

4. Cost Savings

The operational cost of cycling is approximately 10 cents per kilometer. In contrast, driving a car costs about three euros per kilometer, not including external environmental costs. These external costs, amounting to about 8 cents per kilometer on average for car use, encompass noise, air pollution, landscape impact, and greenhouse gas emissions, and do not even account for accident costs.

5. Efficient Use of Space

Growing traffic volumes lead to increased soil sealing, diminishing the soil’s natural functions like water absorption and groundwater replenishment. This also heightens the risk of flooding. Roads and parking facilities consume vast amounts of space. To accommodate parked cars, additional parking areas and garages are constantly being built. Cycling offers a more space-efficient solution, with one car parking space capable of accommodating eight bicycles.