Listing the benefits of bicycling makes it sound like one of those old patent medicines: "guaranteed to cure all your ills." But the simple truth is that bicycling is good for the air, the water, the earth, the quality of life in our community, helps to conserve energy, increases property value, increases business, and makes our streets and highways more efficient and, at the same time is good for our health, makes us more fit, and its fun!
Here is a quick look at the ten top reasons why bicycles are good!
1. Bicycling is good for family-friendly communities. A recent survey of potential home buyers found that 93 percent said "quiet, low traffic areas were very or extremely important" in selecting the type of community they want to live in. More than 70 percent of the home buyers cited bicycling facilities as important to their decision. Parents recognize that children are more independent in bicycle friendly communities. Women between the age of 30 and 50 tend to make far more vehicle trips than men--largely due to the "chauffeur" role they play in delivering children to various after-school destinations. Safe bicycle routes liberate both parents and children.
2. Bicycling increases property values. Studies have shown that property values climb in neighborhoods near newly built bicycle-pedestrian trails. "Community designs that deliver low traffic and quiet streets. " "Lots of natural, open space" and "Walking and biking paths" were the top three priorities among 39 features identified by home buyers as crucial factors in their home-purchasing decision.
3. Bicycling contributes to community safety. Streets full of cyclists have a calming effect on motorists. Communities with high rates of cycling tend to have reduced rates of traffic deaths and injuries among bicyclists and pedestrians. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in bicycle and pedestrian improvements, we save double this amount in medical costs from averted traffic accidents. Many successful community policing programs around the nation is the bicycle -mounted police squad. Placing cops on bikes (as we do here in Ojai) has proved effective in fostering goodwill among residents of crime-plagued neighborhoods, while the crime-fighting virtues of the bicycle -- stealth, speed, all-terrain mobility -- are well-established.
4. Bicycling improves air quality and the health of the community. Place any living creature in a closed system and turn on even a brand new combustion engine and death is the result. Our Earthly atmosphere is a closed system about 10 miles high. The burning of fossil fuels, primarily from cars, busses and trucks is contaminating the single most important ingredient for human health--clean air. An average four-mile round-trip bike trip prevents nearly 15 pounds of air pollutants from contaminating the air.
5. Bicycling conserves energy and resources. Bicycle trips are most likely to displace short car trips, which are less fuel efficient than longer trips. Bicycle transportation saves an estimated 700 million gallons of fuel annually. By making our communities safe and practical for bicycling, bicyclists could save the U.S. as much as three billion gallons of fuel each year.
6. Bicycling helps relieve traffic congestion. Bicycle improvements can encourage motorists to shift some of their short automotive trips to bicycling. Approximately 40% of all car trips are less than two miles in length.
7. Bicycling is economical. Bicycling is the most-cost effective mode of transportation. The cost of operating a car has climbed 300 percent in the last 20 years. Growing numbers of families find that the replacement of a commuter car with a commuter bike can restore thousands of dollars annually to the household budget. Critics point out that we make a grave error by measuring time gained by speed as miles per hour while sitting in our car. We forget the time spent in earning money to pay for the vehicle, insure it, and maintain it, which in an overall view of our lives is the real measure of our time. From a broader perspective (calculating the hidden costs of driving), it is estimated that cars actually deliver us at speeds of about five miles per hour. One quarter of our waking lives are spent in performing the involuntary activities associated with the automobile-transportation system.
8. Bicycling is good for the economy. Besides increasing property values, we cannot afford to overlook that Ojai has a tourist based economy. Tourists love to visit places where they can conveniently park once and forget the stress of driving. "Car-Free Vacations", "Carless Vacations", destinations known as a "Bicycle-Pedestrian Paradise" or "Walkable Cities", are recognized as both desirable for visitors and local residents who find noise and congestion from traffic to be the single most annoying side effect from tourists. Retailers are recognizing that healthy revenues do not depend on heavy car traffic and lots of parking. Cars don't shop--people do! Studies show that bicycle-pedestrian friendly street designs creates a shopper friendly atmosphere which increases retail business. Plus bicycles free up valuable car parking spaces for those people who must drive.
9. Bicycling promotes health and fitness for people of all ages, including our older population. Bicycling is a lifelong, low impact aerobic activity available to almost anyone. Modern gearing allows every user to find his or her own level of effort. Three wheelers with large baskets can be used by older adults riding for the first time. The role of the bicycle in keeping older people healthy and independent is just beginning to be explored. One study suggests that if one quarter of the nations sedentary adults -- 20 million people-would exercise moderately on a regular basis, savings to the healthcare system would exceed $5 billion.
10. Bicycling is fun! Actually, bicycling is more than fun. It is a spiritually uplifting, consciousness raising, mind expanding experience. Riding your bike connects you to the earth and everything you see all around you.
Resources:
Lesscars.org: Website for the publisher of Auto Free Times and Alliance for a Paving Moratorium
More resources coming soon!
Posted by Suza Francina






Comments (76)
The site was well done. I have been seeking just this type of site.I am grateful for this information.
Comment #1 Posted by CORTEZ FULLER | March 12, 2010 9:10 AM
I'm reading through some of your posts and so far so good. I'm still a little lost on the subject, but plan on saving it to my favorites and coming back. I have found several other sites and am trying to consolidate them all so i can compile a list of resources. I will come back and post my results in the comments next time
Comment #2 Posted by Mortgage Modification | March 20, 2010 10:33 AM
You're a very good person!
Comment #3 Posted by Zoraida Bragan | March 25, 2010 10:46 AM
Whats happening? I stumbled upon this site on Google, I must tell you that your website is really cool I love your theme! dont have much free time at the current moment to read your sitebut I bookmarked it. I will come back in a day or two.
Comment #4 Posted by Wallace Stgeorge | April 6, 2010 5:27 PM
How many Inventors out there have worked through with a Patent Application
Comment #5 Posted by Vernice Aldape | April 20, 2010 8:19 AM
Generally I do not post on blogs, but I would like to say that this post really forced me to do so, Excellent post!
Comment #6 Posted by Van Depierre | April 26, 2010 6:23 PM
nice post. thanks.
Comment #7 Posted by medical assistant | May 3, 2010 7:30 PM
Unknown can be faithfully like me. On occasion steady I make in shtook doing it.
Comment #8 Posted by Hotel Albena | May 5, 2010 6:06 AM
I've gotta tell you, you are spot on. I stumbled on your site from another link and am really interested in this topic. Do you mind if I link to this site from my blog?
Comment #9 Posted by treadmill | May 5, 2010 12:22 PM
Don't beg yourself what the fraternity needs; ask yourself what makes you crop up b grow alive. And then make headway and do that. Because what the everybody needs is people who have do alive.
Comment #10 Posted by Electronics | May 6, 2010 7:28 PM
All men delusion, but not equally. Those who delusion not later than edge of night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the heyday to become aware of that it was swell-headedness: but the dreamers of the hour are threatening men, for the duration of they may act on their dreams with problematic eyes, to create them possible.
Comment #11 Posted by Timepieces | May 7, 2010 6:32 AM
The distinction of well-known men should unendingly be measured by way of the means they secure used to acquire it.
Comment #12 Posted by Genuine Watches | May 7, 2010 3:46 PM
Excellent site
Comment #13 Posted by medieval clothing | May 8, 2010 6:11 AM
Very Interesting Blog! Thank You For Thi Information!
Comment #14 Posted by choose golf clubs | May 11, 2010 1:46 PM
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
Comment #15 Posted by medical assistant | May 13, 2010 12:00 AM
I'm sure that i will come back to your site soon. Keep us posting interesting articles
Comment #16 Posted by randki | May 22, 2010 7:21 AM
It's cool that people are able to get the credit loans and that opens completely new possibilities.
Comment #17 Posted by AtkinsonTammie | May 26, 2010 10:46 AM
I really think that this blog can help people. Well done :)
Comment #18 Posted by Dion Beiriger | May 31, 2010 6:22 AM
I agree with much of what peoples comments are that I am reading here. I just wish there were a magic bullet for this.
Comment #19 Posted by Voncile Bavelas | June 2, 2010 6:30 AM
I haven't had a corresponding feeling here in Russia, but I suppose that isn't too suprising.
Comment #20 Posted by best seo | June 2, 2010 6:33 AM
Approx 6,697,254,041 guys and girls exist on the earth, three quarters have heard of jesus. One man advertising in only one country, initialised this, through word of mouth. People today have the internet with which to reach all of those people, all this at your fingertips, you can change anything, go for it bad boys!!!!!!
Comment #21 Posted by Lace Tight Girl | June 3, 2010 3:32 PM
I’d actually tweet this specific thing today All though you posted it. I will mention your post.
Comment #22 Posted by life insurance | June 4, 2010 11:30 AM
hahaha super funny
Comment #23 Posted by best resources and ways about health | June 10, 2010 1:49 AM
I think I just have been told about this issue
at job 2 days ago by a friend, but at that time
it didn't caugh my attention.
Comment #24 Posted by Mike | June 10, 2010 9:37 AM
thanks, this is good idea. agreed?
Comment #25 Posted by Ruthie Marquena | June 12, 2010 9:50 AM
Nice, i like your articles a lot and will be excited to read more
Comment #26 Posted by Lisbeth Rumps | June 12, 2010 9:56 AM
This list will be very helpful to me. Thanks mate for doing such a good job and keeping this website clean.
Comment #27 Posted by Andy Dominique | June 12, 2010 10:02 AM
A good way to drop weight is following a great fitness routine plus a sensible diet program. It's that simple.
Comment #28 Posted by TurboFire | June 15, 2010 11:24 AM
Your blog keeps getting better and better! I’ve been following your posts for a while now and I have to say that your older articles don’t offer as much insight as the newer articles. Your writing is constantly improving! By the way, if you’re looking into placing some advertisements on your blog – you should really do it. Don’t go for all that 3rd party bs – Use a nice WordPress monetization tool coded by a friend of mine which by far the best, it’s a must have plugin for any serious blogger. You can find it at Thaidy.com/Top10WordPressPlugins and give it a free test-run (To make it easier for you, I linked my name to the site). Oh, and there is a nice discount coupon in the sidebar of the mainpage today.
Comment #29 Posted by Jayme Scarlett | June 15, 2010 6:12 PM
Keep up the good work buddy!
Comment #30 Posted by Dirk Mccarson | June 15, 2010 7:46 PM
Hello ,In order to receive an accurate quote for auto insurance personal information such as address, date of birth, drivers license number, and social security number are required. This is exactly the information identity thieves need to destroy your financial credibility. Another concern is unwanted solicitors contacting you. It is completely unnecessary to receive an accurate quote for your car insurance by submitting this information online. It does indeed make perfect sense to make contact with an insurance agent in person or on the telephone.When contacting an agent in person or on the phone be sure and ask a few questions of your own, such as, how long they have been in business, and how will they safeguard your personal information. If you don’t like the answers say thanks and hang up. If your reasonably confident with the person your speaking to then proceed. Another benefit of speaking with a "live" agent is your ability to ask questions and receive professional advice.
Comment #31 Posted by Jackie Choi | June 16, 2010 1:06 AM
Hello ,In order to receive an accurate quote for auto insurance personal information such as address, date of birth, drivers license number, and social security number are required. This is exactly the information identity thieves need to destroy your financial credibility. Another concern is unwanted solicitors contacting you. It is completely unnecessary to receive an accurate quote for your car insurance by submitting this information online. It does indeed make perfect sense to make contact with an insurance agent in person or on the telephone.When contacting an agent in person or on the phone be sure and ask a few questions of your own, such as, how long they have been in business, and how will they safeguard your personal information. If you don’t like the answers say thanks and hang up. If your reasonably confident with the person your speaking to then proceed. Another benefit of speaking with a "live" agent is your ability to ask questions and receive professional advice.
Comment #32 Posted by Dinorah Cassler | June 16, 2010 8:30 PM
I like your site. great information too. I¡¯ll come back later. I¡¯m getting ready to go to the gym now
Comment #33 Posted by Golf Balls | June 17, 2010 6:04 AM
MNHUXEF
Comment #34 Posted by ZXXMWU | June 19, 2010 2:58 PM
i know this is not exactly on topic, but i have a blog using the blogengine platform as well and i'm having issues with my comments displaying. is there a setting i am forgetting? maybe you could help me out? thank you.
Comment #35 Posted by Ogloszenia | June 20, 2010 3:55 PM
Excellent and very thoughtful post! I really appreciate the time and effort you put in every single one of your posts, and finally decided to drop a comment on one of them! I've shared your site with my other blogger friends, and subscribed so hopefully you do the same for me.
Good luck on your blog, and feel free to comment and subscribe to my blog as well when you get a chance: Make Money Online with Dino Vedo.
Thanks so much, and lets stay connected and maybe share some ideas, do some guest posts, and get us both some more traffic and backlinks!
All the best,
Dino Vedo
Comment #36 Posted by Make Money Online | June 22, 2010 8:14 AM
I NEED THIS INFOMATION.
Comment #37 Posted by contraceptive methods | June 22, 2010 10:05 AM
im Trying to view your blog. The format isn't working properly using IE6.
Comment #38 Posted by clothing | June 22, 2010 2:26 PM
Genial brief and this enter helped me alot in my college assignement. Gratefulness you as your information.
Comment #39 Posted by WP Themes | June 22, 2010 2:48 PM
EXACTLY what I've been looking for! Thanks so much!
Comment #40 Posted by contraceptive sponge | June 23, 2010 6:40 AM
there are tons of people who use this all the time…
chase sapphire
useful post… will bookmark
Comment #41 Posted by Octavio Laaker | June 25, 2010 3:43 PM
my God, i thought you were going to chip in with some decisive insght at the end there, not leave it with ‘we leave it to you to decide’. chase sapphire
Comment #42 Posted by Verna Roadarmel | June 26, 2010 2:06 AM
Hey! Can I ask what’s this template you're utilizing in your website? many thanks.
Comment #43 Posted by Mrs. Shortsale | June 26, 2010 4:12 AM
Hey! Can I ask what’s this template you are utilizing in your web site? thanks.
Comment #44 Posted by Mrs. Shortsale | June 26, 2010 4:30 AM
I found this blog searching Google and Im glad I landed here. Ive just started to actually make money online and its articles like these that got me going. If you are just starting, bookmark this blog because there is very good information here.
Comment #45 Posted by blogging to the bank | June 26, 2010 1:09 PM
I love top 10 lists :)
Comment #46 Posted by Reed Forister | June 26, 2010 6:21 PM
Interesting article! Do you have any opinions that you may be able to divulge to assist us in understanding your second point a bit further? cheers
Comment #47 Posted by IT review | June 26, 2010 11:38 PM
Consolidate Credit Card Debt - Although You Hay Have Very Bad Credit Consolidate Credit Card Debt - Although You Hay Have Very Bad Credit by Stan Hale As I'm writing this information, it is said that over 70% of American families are struggling in some shape or form with their monthly credit card payments. So, it ....
Comment #48 Posted by very bad credit mortgages | June 28, 2010 12:49 PM
And cue the pirate-themed double entendres. I'll kick it off..."Yarrrgh, she could shiver me timber."
Comment #49 Posted by garcia | June 28, 2010 1:00 PM
Harold Tigar
Comment #50 Posted by Alina Nishioka | June 29, 2010 9:19 PM
Dino Galusha
Comment #51 Posted by Gus Paquet | June 29, 2010 10:36 PM
Lon Fulbright
Comment #52 Posted by Maximina Edde | June 30, 2010 1:50 PM
Cassidy Charpentier
Comment #53 Posted by Felipe Moat | July 1, 2010 11:56 AM
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100521221723AAilgaY reasonably priced dental implants
Comment #54 Posted by about sometic dentistry | July 3, 2010 8:50 PM
Hello, thanks for sharing this pretty post, carry on, it’s a pleasure to read you
Comment #55 Posted by Marvin Newsom | July 4, 2010 7:17 AM
OK nice to see- interesting comments are always helpful! Blessings.
Comment #56 Posted by Barrett Bachert | July 4, 2010 8:42 AM
This unique sentence challenges subscribers to reply in a relaxed way and when not having concern on condition that individuals responses fall inside of certain guidelines. This excellent sentence encompasses a web in-joke that will not utterly fit the topic.
Comment #57 Posted by PAM in TIGHTS | July 5, 2010 2:36 AM
Im not sure if it has been addressed, however when using Firefox I can never get the entire page to load without refreshing alot of times. Could just be my modem.
Comment #58 Posted by Jacquline Palu | July 5, 2010 6:02 AM
I have read some good information here. Its Definitely good bookmarking for future reference.
Comment #59 Posted by Liza Tengben | July 5, 2010 2:50 PM
I legal immigrants were causing an increase in crime, taking jobs that would once have gone to longtime residents, and changing the character of their quiet city.
Comment #60 Posted by Shirly Shuhi | July 10, 2010 8:21 AM
It’s the first time I have heard that in Macedonia, obits are an unusual observe.
Comment #61 Posted by Carlos Kea | July 10, 2010 2:45 PM
Got me in the spirits to find the ps3 out immediately, been blocked after the spouse was feeling unhappy!
Comment #62 Posted by Edmond Weinhold | July 10, 2010 10:07 PM
OK nice to see- interesting comments are always helpful! Blessings.
Comment #63 Posted by Amalia Jarell | July 11, 2010 7:40 AM
Statisticians do it with 95 percent confidence.
Comment #64 Posted by Bennett Eschenbacher | July 12, 2010 8:21 AM
He is not laughed at that laughs at himself first.
Comment #65 Posted by Gaylord Mendiaz | July 13, 2010 1:28 AM
Hi, I have questions related to the topic. Would you mind answering them if I ask here or shall I ask on email? Thanks.
Comment #66 Posted by Bert Luthe | July 13, 2010 10:33 PM
I've seen some really speechless questions on Yahoo Answers etc. Where do people come up with this material? That being said, anyone seen AskDumbQuestions.com so far? Appears pretty promising! Can't wait to find out some of those questions!
Comment #67 Posted by August Rinebarger | July 14, 2010 6:39 PM
Interesting blog. It would be great if you can provide more details about it. Thanks a lot!
Comment #68 Posted by johnhaward | July 16, 2010 5:36 PM
This is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks!
Comment #69 Posted by loan modification guide | July 21, 2010 3:49 PM
Excellent job.
Comment #70 Posted by marketing online | July 21, 2010 11:43 PM
How do they get away with THAT?
Comment #71 Posted by loan modification program | July 24, 2010 8:44 AM
Magnificent home overlooking the Potomac - 3 br Tucson, AZ Rollback Pricing Strikes Again/ Home Sold For $195000 08/05/Huge Back Yard And Corner Lot/ Great Room With Fireplace/ Concrete Floors/ Nice Kitchen And 2 Full Baths/ 2 Car Garage/ Super Northwest Tucson Location/ Sold As Is/ No Spds/ No Clue Report/ ....
Comment #72 Posted by AZ first time home buyer | July 25, 2010 2:57 PM
I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time. I will post a link to this page on my blog. I am sure my visitors will find that very useful.
Comment #73 Posted by milwaukee mortgage rates | July 25, 2010 4:41 PM
your blog’s design is simple and clean.
Comment #74 Posted by Shawanda Gruz | July 25, 2010 9:50 PM
I was pleasantly surprised by The Every Other Day Diet. Once I bought it even my wife joined me. The shakes are great and the SNAPP system the easiest in the world to grasp. I will use this system the rest of my life.
Comment #75 Posted by Jewell Georgis | July 27, 2010 2:28 PM
Good post, thanks
Comment #76 Posted by SEO Software | July 31, 2010 2:55 AM