The Benefits of Cycling  

Cycling has a huge number of benefits both for individuals and for the wider community.

Environmental:

Cycling is an environmentally-friendly method of transport which achieves CO2 avoidance. With Climate Change high on everyone’s agenda, moving towards sustainable transport is a measure that we can all easily adopt.

Transport is responsible for 34% of household greenhouse gas emissions, whilst lighting accounts for only 5%. (Australian Greenhouse Office, 2006)

Short car trips are the most polluting per kilometre, as the engine is cold. (European Commission)

It's greener on a bike....Unless you've been living on another planet for the last few years you would have heard that we need to take action and empower ourselves to reduce the negative impact we are having on our precious environment. The carbon footprint of a journey on a bicycle is absolutely zero, nothing, zilch - say no more. 

Financial:

Riding a bike is an economically efficient activity. Not only does it lower transport costs and reduce your fuel bill, but it also increases productivity in the workplace through greater wellbeing and a reduction in the number of sick days.

It's cheaper on a bike.....How much does it cost to refuel a bicycle - $00.00 per litre! The only fuel required for maximum performance is a healthy, nutritious meal and some refreshing fluid. Unlike motorists bicycle riders do not pay tolls, parking fees or have to deal with the stresses of being stuck in traffic. 

Health:

Obesity is now a key issue facing Australia. Riding to work is a great way to incorporate physical activity into your daily life.

A 30 minute cycle trip a day provides all the exercise you need to halve the chance of becoming obese or diabetic. (World Health Organisation, 2000)

It's healthier on a bike....We've all been through a health kick where we've trained like an Olympic athlete for a couple of weeks before, yes? Want to become active and sustain it - then turn motivation into habit. A bicycle fits into our lives like a duck takes to water - so no excuses. Cyclists are healthier and live longer - FACT! 

cycling enhances the liveability and social health of communities. Travelling through a

community by bike allows for social interaction and cohesion. Travelling by bike means you have more opportunity to interact with people than you do when in a car.

It's quicker on a bike...There's an ever-growing network of cycle paths and separated on road cycle lanes that allows you to travel in safety and explore parts of your community you never though existed.  Don't know if you've heard but commuters who travel by bicycle often arrive quicker, exercised and better equipped to take on the day than motorists. 

Life's better on a bike! 

Check out this great pamphlet from the Cycling Promotion Fund…Moving Australia Forward: A dicussion on the social, economic and environmental benefits of cycling (pdf.)