Climate Actions Widget

Ride My Bike

It's better for you!

I will ride my bike miles per week instead of driving my car which gets miles per gallon.

To Count Or Not to Count (Calorie Emissions): The growing, processing and distribution of food produces greenhouse gases at each stage of its life cycle. However, increasing your physical activity may or may not lead to additional food consumption. The average American consumes about 2500 calories per day, compared to the recommended daily average of 2200 calories for moderately active adult men and 2000 for moderately active adult women. Riding a bicycle burns about 400 calories per hour, so the average American could ride a bicycle for about one hour per day without needing additional calories from food. If you feel you would increase food consumption by the amount indicated then select Include emissions from food. Click on the green Assumptions button above to compare the carbon footprint of biking (considering the carbon footprint of your diet) vs driving your vehicle.
Start a Positive Cycle: Walking and biking have important health and quality of life benefits due to the physical exercise involved in these activities. Many commuter cyclists or walkers simply consider this their workout for the day, allowing them to relax when they get home instead of going to the gym.
Read this List of Tips for Safe Bicycle Riding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Watch this Bike Safety Video from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration