Cycling is the most sustainable mode of transportation for short and medium-distance trips in urban cities. In the past, cycling used to be considered a leisure activity and not so much a mode of transportation for your daily commute.

Luckily these days, the trend is shifting towards the latter. Based on worldwide cycling index from our partner Eco-Counter, we can say that there is a higher number of people who use a bicycle for commute than for leisure. This corresponds with an increase of 6% bicycle usage from 2017 to 2018.

Cycling is sustainable in all aspects including environmental, social and economic. One of the main benefits of cycling is the health aspect. From the review inspired by TNO in 2010, one study shows the effect of bicycle use for the people in the Netherlands. This study raises several fascinating points:

1. Cycling leads to a longer and healthier life

Cycling is associated with counteracting symptom from various illnesses such as diabetes, some forms of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and depression. It is also an effective way to prevent obesity. Besides that, the estimated health benefits are substantially more significant than the risks relative to driving a car.

Above all, regular cycling boosts physical fitness and compares to 1 to 2 weekly gym sessions. Employees that cycle to work also have 1.3 days less sick leave on average per year.

2. Cycling is relaxing, convenient, and economical

Since cycling is easy, it is fun to cycle. Cycling is an activity and is associated with joy. People who walk or cycle to work are more satisfied, have less stress, and are more relaxed in comparison to the ones who drive. They also experience more freedom.

In addition, cycling encourages social interaction because you are (un)consciously aware of your surroundings. You can also have a high degree of interaction with the surrounding environment. Cycling can bring you door-to-door and offer a high degree of flexibility. Another study shows that cycling improves the mental health of the elderly. Thus, cycling can improve quality of life.

In terms of the economic aspect, cycling is cheap, and it is convenient. It also takes up little space and economically beneficial for the user and the public infrastructure. Moreover, cycling infrastructural improvements lead to faster public transportation and a 45% reduction in car traffic.

3. Increased in bicycle can be correlated with lower greenhouse gas emissions

Cycling causes almost no environmental damage. Furthermore, cycling is part of the effort in the Netherlands plan to reduce its greenhouse gas emission by 49% in comparison to 1990 levels. Based on the report, the measures in the mobility sector of the country use shifting from car to bicycle or public transportation as one of the parameters. Moreover, switching from a car to a bike will save 150 gr of CO2 per km. As the result, cycling can saves emission, which is equal to 16 million tons of CO2 equivalents per year in the EU.

4. Thus, the increased in bicycle can means cleaner air

Air pollution is one of the most considerable environmental health risks. Cycling will increase the air quality and reduce air pollution, which its value equivalent to 435 million euros. It will also reduce noise pollution, soil and water pollution.

Those are the positive impact of cycling. As a Smart Mobility company, LUMIGUIDE supports the shifting towards bicycle mobility for greener urban area and healthier resident. Moreover, we are also active in the implementation of smart solution of sustainable transportation. Your city can also enjoy the data analysis on cyclist and pedestrian through us for a better policy in sustainable transportation.