Benefits of Cycling to Work
Part 1 - for the Environment đ
Good for the planet!
Imagine a daily commute that helps fight climate change, improves air quality, reduces congestion, makes our roads safer, and contributes to a healthier planet. Choosing to cycle to work instead of driving is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make a positive difference for the environment.
For employers, supporting your staff and visitors who want to get around by bike is a powerful message that you take your social and environmental responsibilities seriously. Providing fleet bikes or e-bikes for your people to use for local business travel, instead of using a car or taxi, helps to cut your organisationâs carbon footprint.
Transport is typically one of the largest sources of carbon emissions for businesses, and encouraging commuting by bike is the low hanging fruit with Workride!
Hereâs why it matters for the planetâŠ
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Transportation accounts for nearly 20% of New Zealandâs greenhouse gas emissions, with private cars a significant contributor. Switching to a bike for your daily commute can drastically reduce your carbon footprint. For every kilometer cycled instead of driven, youâre saving around 250 grams of CO2 from entering the atmosphere. Over a year, that adds up to a substantial environmental impact!
A New Zealand (University of Auckland) study from 2010 estimated the effects of shifting 5% of all short vehicle-based urban trips to cycling. It found that this would reduce vehicle travel by approximately 223 million kilometers each year, save about 22 million litres of fuel and reduce transport-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by about 54,000 tonnes - which is the equivalent of taking 18,000 cars permanently off the road.
Enhancing Urban Green Spaces
Fewer cars mean less need for parking and expansive roads, freeing up space for parks, cycleways, and other green areas. These spaces have huge benefits beyond just aesthetics; they encourage outdoor activities, provide habitats for local wildlife, and support biodiversity. Additionally, creating green spaces makes urban areas safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists alike. In a warming world, green spaces also mitigate against the âheat island effectâ, lowering temperatures and providing shade (The Urban Tree is a Tool, 2016).
Enhanced green zones also foster stronger community connections. Arterial roads in particular can enhance social deprivation. People are more likely to gather and interact in safe, natural environments. By choosing to cycle, you contribute to reclaiming these spaces for everyoneâs benefit, making cities more livable and sustainable.
Reducing Traffic Congestion
The first thing to note is that cycling takes up significantly less road space than cars. An average bike takes up 4m2 relative to a car which takes up 54m2 (City of Melbourne, Cycling Issues Paper, 2005). A common misconception is that more bikes on the road and in particular the reallocation of space for cyclists increases congestion. But generally the more people cycling, the less people there are in cars, and therefore the less congestion!
Another common misconception is that building bike lines takes space away from cars and adds to congestion. A 2022 study from Swinburne and Melbourne Universities showed that adding separated bike lanes increases car travel times by less than 10 seconds per kilometer - comparable to waiting at a single red light on a five-kilometer trip. Contrary to fears, properly designed bike lanes do not significantly hinder car traffic but instead offer safer and more sustainable commuting options.
Lower Resource Consumption
The production, maintenance, and operation of bicycles require far fewer resources than cars. By opting for a bike, youâre supporting a shift towards more sustainable resource use. Even if you own a car, you need to remember that if you use it less, youâll have less running costs and wear and tear on your moving parts - thatâs a good deal of rubber you can reallocate to those bike wheels!
Less Air Pollution
Vehicles emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which contribute to poor air quality and respiratory issues. Cycling produces zero emissions, helping to create cleaner air for everyone and reducing health risks in urban areas.
A study by the University of Auckland in 2010 found that a 5% shift to cycling would reduce the health-damaging air pollutants - carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide (NOx), and particulates (PM10) â by 1,449 tonnes, 161 tonnes, and 12.3 tonnes, respectively.
Make the Switch with workride
At Workride, we make cycling to work easier than ever. Our program allows you to offset between 32-63% off a new bike, e-bike or e-scooter through your employer. Better yet, the cost is effectively spread out across 12-months through the salary sacrifice.
Start your Workride journey for free today!
Click the link below and complete the form to receive a free information pack.