According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, non-motorized transportation (i.e. walking and biking) as a percentage of trips has declined by nearly 50 percent since the 1970s. Over that same time period, the prevalence of obesity in Americans has tripled. Experts are predicting children born today will live shorter lives than their parents' generation. The diagnosis of Type II diabetes is increasing at unprecedented rates. We are becoming a significantly sicker society. Problems like global climate change, environmental pollution and urban congestion continue to worsen. Could riding a bicycle be a simple solution to some of these complex problems? It can combat climate change, ease urban congestion, build physical fitness and decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases. The bicycle is the most efficient form of human transportation. One hundred calories can propel a car 280 feet but it can power a cyclist for 3 miles. Cyclists are also fueled by a renewable energy source instead of burning limited fossil fuels. Some facts, courtesy of www.fastcodesign.com:
- 30 percent of Americans are obese and only .01 percent of trips in the U.S. are made by bike;
- 13 percent of Germans are obese, and they make 9 percent of their trips by bike; and
- 10 percent of the population of Holland is obese, and 25 percent of their trips are made by bike.
Could pedaling become part of your realistic transportation alternatives? According to the National Transportation Survey, 25 percent of all of the trips that we make are less than one mile and 40 percent are less than two miles. In addition to being both practical and purposeful, pedaling can also be a form of play. Play is an activity you would do without any reason other than the pleasure you derive from your participation. Ask any cyclist and they'll tell you how much they enjoy going for a ride.