Why Bikes Are Better Than Cars? Are you tired of sitting in traffic jams? Biking can provide an eco-friendly, efficient solution allowing more opportunities to experience what lies around us than driving does.
Riding a bicycle to work can be an efficient and affordable method of commute, yet many still question why bikes are superior to cars? Here are the reasons:
1. Less Pollution
Why Bikes Are Better Than Cars? Cars emit harmful gases, chemicals and particles into the atmosphere when burning fossil fuels; this release pollutant threatens our health while despoiling the planet. Conversely, bicycles are human-powered and emit no carbon dioxide – not to mention they don’t wear down roads so can save money in taxes!
Cars produce up to five tons of CO2 annually and their emissions can be harmful to ecosystems as well as people. Furthermore, engine noise causes noise pollution which disturbs both ecosystems and people alike. By replacing one car trip each day with biking trips instead, you can reduce both your CO2 and noise footprints simultaneously.
Studies have demonstrated that cyclists are exposed to half as many pollutant particles than bus and car riders while traveling through traffic, due to cycling being an aerobic exercise which makes you breathe faster.
If you choose to ride through areas with high pollution levels, take alternate routes or stick to sidewalks to avoid heavy traffic and take advantage of bike lanes, which have been shown to cut particle exposure by one quarter. Furthermore, cycling has been proven to burn up to 600 calories an hour, helping people lose weight without changing their diet significantly – something particularly helpful if living in cities with poor air quality.
2. Better Health
Cycling provides an effective cardio workout. Additionally, cycling also develops strength and endurance; starting slowly can ease you into more demanding physical activity later.
Biking is a low-impact form of exercise that is suitable for virtually everyone of any age and fitness level, making it suitable for almost everyone to participate. Kids especially may benefit from biking; one study found that children whose parents cycled frequently were more likely to join in themselves.
Riding a bike can also help improve your balance. Balancing and moving on a bicycle engages many small muscles that support your core, which is great news if you find yourself losing steadiness on your feet, or risk falls or accidents due to age or injury.
Cycling can be an incredible way to meet people in your community, with cycling groups available for every skill level and age group. Plus, cycling’s fun nature makes it much easier than other forms of exercise to stick with it – which is especially important since regular physical activity has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels and boost mood – meaning cycling will leave you healthier and happier than driving a car!
3. Better Relationships
Comparative to car ownership costs, bicycle ownership is more economical and easier. No need for garage space, oil changes, or tune-ups means more savings to spend on bike gear!
Biking with your partner can be loads of fun – and also healthy and affordable, with studies showing that couples who take part regularly in physical challenges or activities together tend to experience happier relationships overall.
Tandem riding requires two people; with one person acting as captain to steer while the other (often lighter, more flexible female) serves as the stoker in the back pedaling and providing navigation. Sometimes these roles clash; sometimes suggestions from the stoker may irritate the captain and vice versa; however, most tandem couples can turn miscommunication into an enjoyable bonding experience by turning it into humor or simply leaving and walking away if necessary.
4. More Fun
Bikes can be an exciting and engaging means of transportation for young, athletic people who enjoy speed. Riding one provides more stimulation and challenges than driving an automobile – even just getting home can burn plenty of calories!
Bikes provide a quick way to move through traffic jams quickly and effectively, sidestepping an unmovable line of cars. And if you live near a bike lane, roads may even become like race courses!
Plus, bikes are much less costly than cars – sophisticated racing bikes can cost thousands, while basic bicycles can be purchased for under $1,000. Furthermore, you have many types of optimized bicycles designed specifically to serve different purposes if cycling for transportation or recreation is your goal.
Bikes also accelerate and decelerate faster than cars due to their superior power-to-weight ratio; F1 cars only reach 180 mph while some motocross riders reach over twice that speed.
5. More Convenience
Cycling is often much faster than driving and you can quickly cover the distance of your typical commute in half-an-hour. Furthermore, traffic jams no longer present a hassle when cycling around them quickly and conveniently; especially in cities with ample bike lanes.
Bike commuting can also be more convenient than driving, since you don’t have to deal with car maintenance costs or parking fees or pay for gas. According to the League of American Bicyclists, bicycle commuters could save thousands annually not just in terms of gas expenses but also on repairs bills, car washes and gym membership costs.
Bicycling to work can be more comfortable and exciting than driving; its quiet nature allows for a deeper experience of your surroundings; you will see, smell, and hear things you would have otherwise missed when driving. Furthermore, cycling is an effective way of building leg and glute muscles, building stamina, burning calories and feeling more positive throughout your day! So give it a try; you won’t regret it. Just ensure that you consult a specialized bicycle store when selecting your model as well as gathering knowledge on bike safety practices and selecting gear appropriate for riding adventures.
Read also: Who is the Best Cyclist of All Time?
6. Less Space
Cars don’t necessarily need to be faster to beat bikes on the road; even top-fuel dragsters could easily outpace any bike at speed on an open straightaway, although these races don’t compete against each other.
Bikes also take up far less space than cars, making them an excellent option for city living and travel. A typical car requires 18 inches on either side for passing; in contrast, cyclists only require two feet within one lane to do the same task.
Cities are responding to rising demand for alternatives to cars by creating protected bike lanes and improving urban mobility. Janette Sadik-Khan of NYC implemented pedestrianizing parts of major streets during Michael Bloomberg’s presidency and has created hundreds of miles of new bike lanes since.
At 10mph, cycling burns between 400 to 600 calories depending on your technique and conditions, helping you lose weight, lower blood pressure and stress, as well as toning muscles that a machine couldn’t touch in your thighs and butt. Plus, cycling provides great cardiovascular exercise!
People living and commuting in cities who cannot afford their own car may find purchasing a high-quality, lightweight bicycle more cost effective. Bikes don’t cost nearly as much as used luxury cars with low resale values and you won’t waste gas driving around looking for parking spots; even sophisticated racing bikes will still cost much less than average cars.
Why Bikes Are Better Than Cars:
