| We love our cars. We use them to go to work, to go | | | | percentage of the average person's carbon footprint, |
| on holiday, to pick up supplies from the supermarket, | | | | so cutting down on their use is the most obvious way |
| even to go to the gym! How many of these journeys | | | | each one of us can do our bit for the environment. |
| are really necessary? And of those, is it possible that | | | | Even if you're not convinced by the global warming |
| we might use alternative means for some of them? I | | | | argument, it's an indisputable fact that we are burning |
| say yes! | | | | through the earth's supplies of oil and gas at an |
| Economic benefits | | | | unsustainable rate. There is a lot of talk about |
| As we go through the worst economic recession | | | | alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence |
| since the 1930's, most people are looking for ways to | | | | on oil; let's not forget that each of us has our own |
| cut back. Cycling to work, if you live within about ten | | | | Integrated Personal Energy Source - it's called The |
| miles of your workplace, is one good way to do that. | | | | Body. |
| Think about how much commuting to the office by car | | | | Health benefits |
| on a daily basis costs you: you pay for petrol, | | | | Speaking of the body, cycling holds tremendous health |
| maintenance of your vehicle, and probably have to | | | | benefits. Did you pick up on the irony of my earlier |
| fork out to park as well if you work in the city. Cycling, | | | | statement about us using our cars to get to the gym? |
| on the other hand is practically free - and any costs | | | | Why pay to go somewhere where you have to pay |
| you do incur such as purchasing a bike and suitable | | | | to exercise if you can travel and exercise |
| cycle clothing will be offset in no time by the savings | | | | simultaneously for free? Cycling is a low impact form |
| you'll make. | | | | of aerobic exercise which is good for losing weight |
| Environmental benefits | | | | and toning the muscles, reducing blood pressure, |
| Most scientists agree that global warming is a reality | | | | improving cardiovascular fitness, reducing stress and |
| and that we'd better do something about it pretty darn | | | | contributing to an overall sense of wellbeing. Oh, and it's |
| fast if we (and more significantly, our children and | | | | fun. What's not to like? |
| grandchildren) are to avoid the effects of irreversible | | | | So let's all swap our car keys for bike helmets this |
| climate change. Cars are listed as a major contributor | | | | year and start reaping the benefits. |
| to carbon emissions, and account for a large | | | | |