With the icecaps melting and sea levels rising, it’s important that every person begins to take responsibility for their own carbon footprint. Just a few months back at the COP26 conference in Glasgow, representatives from 196 countries met to discuss the current crisis and how best to reduce growing carbon omissions.
However, the planet doesn’t have time for us to sit back and wait. The Earth is currently 1.2c warmer than in the 19th century with carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere having risen by 50%. Every time you pop to the petrol station only makes this worse.
Obviously, we know that people can’t just start living off the land like primordial cave people but you can make small changes that help ease the strain on our environment.
One of the best, and healthiest, changes you can make for the world right now is (You guessed it!) to start cycling to work. That’s why we’ve put together a quick list of a few ways cycling can have a positive impact on the environment:
1. Air Pollution
Recent studies show that almost three quarters of greenhouse gas emissions come from road vehicles. The production and regular use of our cars leads to dangerous substances like vehicle emissions and fumes being released into our local environment. Air pollution is a known carcinogen and can have very severe negative effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular system. If more people decided to start cycling today, we would see a huge reduction in air pollution and improved quality of life.
2. Noise pollution
Often overshadowed by other more pressing issues, many people don’t understand just how much of an effect noise pollution has on their environment. Increased noise pollution can affect mental wellbeing, sleep hygiene and even your physical health in severe cases. Noise pollution also harms the local wildlife by disturbing their habitats and disrupting communication.
3. More cyclists, more cycle lanes
The more cars we have on the road, the more infrastructure they need. The same principle goes for cycling! With more people setting off on two wheels, there’ll be a higher demand for green spaces and cycle friendly roads in communities. More green spaces will lead to better air quality, flourishing wildlife and improved quality of life for you and your neighbours.
4. Less traffic, more parking
The more cars we have on the road, the more infrastructure they need. The same principle goes for cycling! With more people setting off on two wheels, there’ll be a higher demand for green spaces and cycle friendly roads in communities. More green spaces will lead to better air quality, flourishing wildlife and improved quality of life for you and your neighbours.
So, how are you making positive changes?
Now, we want to hear from you!
What are your thoughts?
What are you doing to reduce your carbon footprint?
If you have any other recommendations or tips, let us know in the comments below!
Visit our FAQ for more information on the Bike 2 Work scheme and how your business can take advantage of the government's tax-free cycle scheme.
