Ride a Bike
Bicycles are simply the most efficient form of transport. They produce no waste and improve our health and wellbeing. If we all used a bike to get to work and visit friends and family or went on cycling holidays instead of road trips, it would have an immediate and profound effect on our fossil fuel use and contribution to climate change. Finally, as if all this is not compelling enough, cycling just 10km each way to work, once a week, instead of driving saves about $926 and 304kg of greenhouse gases each year.
How to do it now!
Cycle for fun and leisure. Try Railtrails Australia a directory of riding paths along old train lines through the beautiful Australian countryside.
Use an inner city bike hire scheme. A few capital cities have recently launched an easy, accessible and affordable bike hire scheme for cycling in the city.
Bike paths and bike lanes. Most cities have a network of off-road bike paths and wide roads with bike lanes along the main travelling routes. These are ideal for the invigorating ride to work along the local river and back streets or for cruising on the weekend to find a nice spot for a picnic.
Join or form a BUG (Bike Users Group) in your area. It's a great way to meet other riders and find out about the best paths and trails.
Some online resources to get you started:
Additional resources
Why this action is important?
Reducing the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases entering the atmosphere is critical if we are to address climate change and the environmental havoc it is causing. Riding a bike instead of driving is the most effective way to reduce our CO2 emissions and reduce our contribution to climate change.
Environment
The increasing number of people riding bikes has prompted the government to create bike lanes and cycle paths along rivers and creeks all over Australia. This can only result in cleaner air and a more stable climate.
Wellbeing
Fresh air and a good low-impact sweat - what could be sweeter? Obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol, lethargy and depression are all alleviated by a regular ride. And these are just a few of the wellbeing benefits of riding your bike.
© 2009 Natural Strategies Group Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.
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