| There are plenty of Americans who like to get around | | | | The American Automobile Association (AAA) says |
| with out cars. The true fact is that most families have | | | | that, on average it costs 52.2 cents to drive one mile. |
| more than one member who either doesn't own a car | | | | This number includes fuel, routine maintenance, tires, |
| or doesn't even drive. Think: teenagers, young adults | | | | insurance, license and registration and depreciation |
| and even full-grown employed adults who prefer | | | | costs. Meanwhile, the EPA estimates that the average |
| alternative transport. | | | | American drives 12,000 miles a year. This means it |
| We're only just beginning to realize the costs we incur | | | | costs about $6264K per year to run the average car. |
| when we build cities to cater to the automobile above | | | | Compare that to the average $220 per year it costs |
| all else. Cars are expensive to buy, expensive to run | | | | to operate the average bicycle and you get an idea of |
| and costly to the environment, but don't mistake them | | | | the amount of money that can be funneled back into |
| for a sign of wealth. With individuals forking out | | | | the community when we leave our cars in the drive. |
| thousands of dollars to run them and municipal | | | | Of course, these numbers don't even begin to |
| governments pouring tax dollars into building roads and | | | | measure the rich physical and social benefits that bike |
| infrastructures for them to drive on, car dependent | | | | riding offers to those who make it a way of life. |
| communities simply have less cash. Perhaps the | | | | Cyclists just live better. Anyone who's ever ridden a |
| biggest economic impact however is that people in car | | | | bike knows that this simple exercise gets the heart |
| dependant communities have a tendency to drive their | | | | pumping, the circulation going and the scenery moving. |
| money out of town and spend it elsewhere. The result | | | | When people ride their bikes, they're more likely to see |
| is a diluted local economy. | | | | their neighbors, get to know what's going on in their |
| Ride Free | | | | communities and feel a real sense of belonging. |