Global carbon emissions released from every corner of the globe contribute towards global warming. Agriculture production, factories, and other forms of emissions account for a large majority of our carbon footprint. One of the largest forms of carbon emissions come from transportation. If your family can afford a car when you turn 16, most families typically own 2-3 cars. Though technology such as electric vehicles have helped to reduce the footprint of cars, they aren’t as widespread today as they will be in 10-20 years. Click the link to learn more about electric vehicles.
https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/how-do-all-electric-cars-work
Currently, in the U.S alone roughly 250 million gas-powered cars are in operation and being driven, while worldwide statistics suggest over 1 billion of cars are on the roads. It’s estimated that 6 billion metric tons of Carbon are created through these combustion engines and contribute significantly towards global warming. However, many alternative modes of transportation exist. Trains, buses, and bicycles are great forms of transportation that emit little to no carbon emissions per person. Trains and buses tend to be centralized in urban environments, but bikes can be bought and used by anyone that’s willing to purchase one! Bikes are certainly used as a means of transportation, but they’re also a great way to exercise and build cardio. Running can be a struggle sometimes and be taxing on the body, but biking offers an easier, yet difficult in its own right, form of exercise. Unlike cars, bikes are significantly more safe, and result in very few injuries every year. Not only are bikes efficient, and healthy, but they release zero emissions. The only thing you’ll be emitting is sweat and endorphins. See 50 reasons why biking is fun!
Even within the world of biking, electric alternatives exist. Bikes can be expensive and the option of “Renting” a bike through a company is very enticing. Across campus, Spin bikes allow students that may rarely use a bike or can’t afford one access to a means of transportation.
Cars and commercial vehicles dominate urban areas, and can occupy large areas of land, which could otherwise be used for important purposes. Bikes are easier to store and use less room when riding. Bike lanes are becoming more prevalent in cities and towns across the country, as more people begin biking for fun and transportation purposes.
As our society enters a new age where climate change will play a larger role in our day to day lives, it’s important to start adapting too and accepting solutions to problems we may face. Bikes are great solution to an issue that is so common in developed countries. For many people, long distances may be hard to traverse on a small bike, and the weather may not permit stepping outside of shelter. Whoever moving forward, if you need to small a short trip to get groceries or simply need the excursuses, strongly consider biking as an alternative to driving. The earth will thank you, your body will thank you, and your pockets won’t be drained from buying gas every week.
I could not agree more with your push for an increase in biking. As you have laid out, biking is a much better alternative when the weather permits. There are great physical benefits, and a bike does not take up nearly as much space as a car does. I, however, think that switching to electric automobiles would be a better solution. When a family goes to the city, it would be better for them to travel together, in a car. Yes, there are other alternatives like a bus or the train, but when you have younger child I think a car is the best option. Nevertheless, there needs to be a switch to cleaner energy because, like you stated, carbon emissions are causing a rise in global warming.
As kids most of us probably rode a bike because that’s how we got places, and it was fun. I think that we should keep that fun with us as we get older. Not only for better shape but to get to places that are close enough, like if you have a smaller town, you can use your bike for simple things. It would be difficult for everyday life though, especially with weather. I think that eventually electric or hybrid cars will be what everyone drives, maybe because they have to.
When I moved onto campus and lost my car access because of it, I wasn’t too upset, outside of the loss of job opportunites. However, I’ve always enjoyed walking and often preferred it to driving, so it wasn’t too hard for me to adjust.