# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Standard car: Hybrid car: Electric car: 161 grams of carbon dioxide per mile 257 grams of carbon dioxide per mile Horse: 135 grams of carbon dioxide per mile 374 grams of carbon dioxide per mile Bus: Train: 88 grams of carbon dioxide per mile 100 grams of carbon dioxide per mile Bike: Electric scooter: E-bike: 8 grams of carbon dioxide per mile 8 grams of carbon dioxide per mile 33 grams of carbon dioxide per mile
For what it's worth, manufacturing an electric vehicle's battery contributes about a third of its greenhouse gas emissions over the course of its lifetime. And, as more renewable energy sources are developed to generate the electricity that charges the vehicle and manufactures its battery, an electric car's emissions will only continue to drop.

Those carbon dioxide savings can also be a financial boon. "Over the course of an electric vehicle's life, you can save up to $21,500 on energy and maintenance - and that number can only grow as the power grid gets cleaner," Quinn said. "This means that some of the cheaper electric cars can pay for themselves over the course of their lifetime."

Horses may not have batteries or motors, but they are powered by something else - and that's why they have a higher environmental impact than public transportation.

"They eat and poop a lot," Quinn explained.

Horesh said trains have lower emissions than a bus for three reasons:

1. Light rail trains use an electric motor.

2. Trains have fewer acceleration events than buses.

3. Trains also have a much lower rolling resistance.

It might be shocking that regular biking could be considered worse for the environment than riding an e-bike or scooter, but the logic behind it is similar to why a horse is worse than a bus.

"It comes down to the need to feed the human who is working hard," Quinn said. "Since you don't burn calories on an e-bike, that's not factored into the environmental impact like on a normal bike."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What are the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From using an e-bike to even riding a horse, here's a look at the carbon impact of different modes of transportation per mile.

# data[].attributes.headline
Pro's and Con's of various modes of transportation 

# data[].attributes.subject
Pro's and Con's of various modes of transportation 

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
For the past several years, we've witnessed the debate on climate change, control of toxic emissions, and the management of environmental pollution only become more urgent as cities and governments around the world are desperately looking for long-lasting solutions to some of those problems. It is currently estimated that passenger and freight activity will likely double by 2050 and although such growth is considered a token of social and economic progress, it only seems to come with greater energy demand and increased CO2 emissions and atmospheric pollutants.

A greater reliance on rail, as well as increased use of public transport, has the potential to alleviate these problems, as stated by many experts in the field. In a world that is becoming ever more urbanized, rail travel is well-suited to match urban needs and help reduce pressing issues such as congestion and pollution. High-speed rail can also serve as an alternative to short-distance air travel, and conventional and freight rail can complement other transport modes to provide further efficiency in the mobility sector.

How does the Sustainability Movement correspond with the world of transport?

In the United States, the transportation sector is reported to be the biggest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2020 they published their latest report which stated that transportation accounted for 27 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, followed by electricity at 25 percent, and industry at 24 percent.

While the increased need for better and more efficient transport in cities has sparked a wave of new initiatives, programs, and alternative methods of transportation, experts are still asking the question of whether or not this is nearly enough in the face of pressing issues such as climate change, overpopulation, and increasing congestion. Urban mobility is becoming faster, smarter, and more accessible but at what cost? This has led governments around the globe to take a step back and think about improving sustainability in the transportation sector, starting with mass transit. And while it's no surprise that some modes of transport are significantly better for the environment than others, are the 'eco-friendly' ones as good as we think they are?

Is ride-hailing or renting a bike eco-friendly?

Many people have grown accustomed to the comfort of reaching for their phone and hailing a ride whenever they want but how good is this really for the environment? On-demand taxis through ride-hailing apps have made getting a ride so convenient, easy, and cheap, that people have begun to choose them over public transport. The increasing demand for these services has only increased congestion in urban areas by putting more cars on the street, even if they are fully electric.

What about bike sharing? While riding a bike emits 0g of CO2, people hardly consider the environmental impact caused by the production of the bike or transporting a given fleet to the location where it will be used. The least eco-friendly thing about them however comes down to the vandalism and lack of personal accountability which has unfortunately resulted in a massive number of bike graveyards.

What is the most sustainable type of transportation?

Traveling by rail within cities or across long distances releases the least amount of greenhouse gasses into the air out of all forms of transportation. According to a study commissioned by the EEA regarding low-carbon motorized transport, rail, and waterborne prove to have the lowest emissions per kilometer and unit transported, while aviation and road transport emit significantly more.

Trains

Besides walking and biking, traveling by train remains one of the greenest and most environment-friendly options when getting around. Regardless if electric or diesel-powered, trains emit between 66 and 75 percent fewer carbon emissions when compared to cars and airplanes. It is estimated that by diversifying energy sources and providing more efficient mobility, rail can significantly lower transport energy use as well as reduce carbon dioxide and local gas emissions.

The regions with the current highest share of electric train activity are Europe, followed by Japan and Russia, with North and South America, still being heavily reliant on diesel. Passenger rail is significantly more electrified than freight in almost all regions, and those with higher reliance on urban rail and high-speed rail are also those exhibiting the largest share of passenger kilometers served by electricity.

Fast & Efficient

Rail travel is one of the fastest and most efficient types of transportation when it comes to transporting large groups of people. А single heavy-rail commuter train can effectively transport around nine times as many people per hour as one traffic lane of cars and that is at an average occupancy at best. The U.S. Department of Energy rates intercity rail (services that run from one city to another) and transit rail (subways and commuter rails) as the two most efficient forms of transportation.

Environmentally-friendly

When it comes to sustainable types of transport, trains are also amongst the most environmentally-friendly modes of transportation. They have shown excellent results in successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It's estimated that depending on the type of train, a rail system can emit anywhere from 30 percent to 70 percent fewer emissions than conventional cars and even less than electric cars.

According to the IEA's report on the ''Future of Rail", trains are one of the most energy-efficient types of transport since the rail sector carries 8% of the world's passengers and 7% of global freight transport, yet it accounts for merely just 2% of the total transport energy demand.

Electrification in the sector is one of the contributing factors that make the rail sector amongst the best energy-diverse forms of transport. It is reported that over three-quarters of rail transport activity takes place onboard electric trains, which is a substantial increase from 60% in the last 23 years, with this sector being the only one to be so widely reliant on the use of electricity.

Cycling and Walking

Cycling is thought to be one of the most simultaneously efficient and earth-friendly modes of transportation, due to the synergy of body power and engineering. It's eco-friendly and cost-effective and it gets you where you need to go in a decent amount of time. Other than the materials required to produce a bicycle (plus a new set of tires now and then), bicycles require very little maintenance, you don't have the regular expenses that come with owning a car, and you don't need insurance or expensive parking at all. Biking is also much more energy-efficient than traveling by foot.

Many countries and cities are being very proactive in running campaigns and initiatives to encourage people to cycle more. The United States is hoping to create a cycle trail that spans from one coast to another. The Great American Rail Trail for example stretches 3,700 miles from the capital to the Pacific Ocean just west of Seattle, crossing over 12 states.

Walking, running, jogging, or strolling generally have one of the lowest ecological impacts by far. It's a great way to keep people active and healthy and it's not hurting the environment. Walking provides a great alternative for short-distance travel that requires no budget, or expenses and is generally enjoyable. Whether a person is living in a rural or urban area, walking is one of the fastest ways to go from one place to another such as grocery stores, workplaces, and walking between transit stops and various public facilities.

Buses

Considered to be slightly more fuel-intensive than trains, buses tend to be quite behind in terms of efficiency at current ridership rates (often below 25% of capacity) as stated by the US Department of Energy. Even though buses generally release higher levels of gas emissions into the atmosphere compared to trains, they are still a far better option than cars so consider using public transport while on holiday to keep your carbon footprint as low as possible or when traveling or commuting around town.

Buses are relatively cheap so they are also a cost-effective form of transportation. It's worth mentioning that every time a person uses the bus they are increasing its efficiency since it will be transporting more people with the same amount of fuel.

Cars

When compared to other modes of transport, cars are generally not the most eco-friendly forms of getting around, however, they remain one of the most preferred methods of traveling for most people living in urban areas.

Regular Cars

Ordinary cars are classed as one of the biggest urban polluters today, releasing nearly four times more emissions than motorcycles, according to the IEA's report on transport and the environment. The study also highlights that a decrease in efficiency isn't the only issue at hand. Time spent sitting in traffic congestion caused the wastage of over 2.3 billion gallons of fuel in the year 2005, which has only increased since then. Unfortunately, traveling by car remains one of the most popular modes of transport in the U.S., with the country's infrastructure built to be widely reliant upon automobiles as means of getting around.

Diesel and Biodiesel Cars

While hybrids are considered more suitable for driving in cities, diesel cars may be more efficient when it comes to long-distance travel, according to The Telegraph. Hybrid cars were found to be far less efficient when compared to diesel cars in terms of acceleration at higher speeds or along motorways.

Biodiesel fuel is made from natural oils and fats and is a renewable and efficient energy source. The US Alternative Fuels Data Center claims that biodiesel is a far better substitute for petroleum diesel since it is a domestically produced, clean-burning, and renewable energy source.

While biodiesel may not be as popular as conventional diesel or petroleum, its popularity is slowly increasing although it's worth mentioning that it's not very efficient in cities or nearly as much as public transportation and it can be difficult to find.

Hybrid and Electric Cars

Hybrid and electric cars use electricity (in the case of hybrids, a combination of electricity and gas), which is used to replace conventional cars and regular fuel. The electricity they use is typically produced using non-renewable, greenhouse-gas-producing methods and they often come with energy-efficient technologies that help reduce fuel consumption further known as "regenerative breaking" and "power assist".

Although Hybrid and electric cars have done well in reducing emissions they are still less efficient and earth-friendly than some public modes of transportation such as rail, with electric cars having less power than conventional vehicles and requiring charging stations.

Planes

It may come as no surprise to many that planes find themselves at the bottom of every list when it comes to sustainable modes of transportation. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), planes are amongst the most fuel-intensive modes of travel, however, there is a considerable difference that varies between airlines regarding energy efficiency.

The ICCT report states a 26% difference in the efficiency of US airlines, rating them from most to least efficient when it comes to fuel and energy usage. A detailed list of domestic US airlines and their fuel efficiency can be found in the ICCT's report, so passengers wishing to travel more sustainably can check it before booking their tickets.

Another important thing to note regarding airplanes is that although they are often considered the most damaging ways of transport regarding the environment, they only make up for about 13.4% of the total transport emissions. Cars, on the other hand, amount to 72% of the same total which is the amount of carbon released per kilometer traveled, exceeding every other means of transportation. It's estimated that a lot of the fuel consumed by an aircraft comes from the fuel that is used during take-offs and landings.

Snail Travel

Snail travel is a movement based on the notion of slowing down and making conscious choices regarding traveling as means of reducing a person's urban footprint. This can look in various ways, whether it would be walking more, cycling, or swapping a flight for a train (whenever possible). Using a climate calculator and actively looking for more eco-friendly transport methods are also on the agenda for many travelers choosing this method of travel.

What are the benefits of sustainable transportation?

Sustainable transit might seem like a huge investment in the beginning but in the long run, it's often worth the reward in terms of environmental and economic benefits. In fact, maintaining public transportation systems has actually proven to be cheaper than maintaining roads. In 2017, the U.S. spent $177 billion on highways but only $70 billion on mass transit and $5 billion on rail.

The benefits of using sustainable transportation are many, and we would be wise to embrace this mode of transit to help lower pollution rates as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions further, saving money, resources, and fuel along the way. Eco-friendly commuting and public transit are the future of sustainable mobility and we are certainly excited about what the future will bring as many countries around the world have already showcased great progress in this field.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What Is The Most Sustainable Type Of Transportation?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Rail and waterborne are one of the most sustainable types of transportation - with the lowest emissions per kilometer and unit transported.

# data[].attributes.headline
Average Per-Passenger Fuel Economy by Mode

# data[].attributes.subject
Average Per-Passenger Fuel Economy by Mode

# data[].attributes.body
This chart shows average per-passenger fuel economy of various modes of travel. All forms of rail achieve relatively high values because of high ridership, proportionally low drag, and high electrification rates (electricity is inherently more efficient than combustion-engine propulsion). Airlines are an increasingly efficient form of transport as more passengers are fit onto planes and ticketing software fills most planes to capacity. Motorcycles achieve a high number of passenger miles per gallon, owing to their light weight and very high fuel efficiency. Transit buses are not very efficient at their current ridership rates, which have declined since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand response vehicles are the least efficient because they need to use fuel just to get to the passenger.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Cars can now be powered by gasoline or electricity - or both! In 2017, electric vehicles grew 54% worldwide to more than 3 million. The International Energy Agency forecasts that electric vehicles will grow to more than 124 million by 2030.

There are two types of electric vehicles (EVs):

Battery electric vehicle

Uses a battery to store electric energy that powers the motor

Charges battery by plugging into an electric power source

Can travel more than 200 miles on one charge

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle

Powered by an internal combustion engine and electric motor that uses energy from an on-board battery

Plugs into electric power source to charge on-board battery

Can travel over 50 miles in all-electric mode and up to 400 total miles before refueling

Fun facts about EVs

EVs are better for the environment

Since electric vehicles can run on a rechargeable battery, they produce fewer emissions - the stuff that comes out of a tailpipe.

EVs are high performance and low maintenance

Vehicles powered by electricity are quiet and fast. They don't need to rev up an engine to get speed - they respond as soon as the driver hits the pedal. And EVs come with the latest in gadgets and digital perks, like an app to control the charging status.

EVs can charge at home

Driving an EV means you can charge your car at home. (No more freezing at the gas pump during the winter.) And, on average, it costs half as much to charge an electric vehicle than it does to fuel up a gas-powered vehicle.

What's next for EVs?

Longer distances

BEVs (electric-only vehicles) average between 60 and 120 miles per charge. Some luxury models can travel up to 300 miles.

PHEVs (gas- and electric-powered vehicles) can travel further. When the battery runs out of charge, they just switch to running on gas instead. PHEVs can run about 50 miles on electricity before switching to gas. They can get as far as 400 miles total before needing to recharge or refuel.

The electric range in EVs is improving and since 2011, it has been increasing at an average of 17% per year and 38 miles with each model update.*

In comparison, a traditional gas-powered vehicle can travel 300 miles or more on one tank of gas.

Most people don't need to drive over 40 miles on a typical day - and if they have a charging station in their garage at home, they can charge up every night.

Quicker charge times

Right now, charging an electric vehicle takes about eight hours. However, fast charging stations are getting more popular and can charge an electric car to 80% in just 30 minutes.

More places to charge

Gas stations are everywhere, but EV chargers aren't ... yet! That's starting to change as gas stations, hotels, restaurants, parks and communities are adding EV charging stations for public use. Having an EV charger can make a restaurant, or even a city, a more popular travel destination.

More options and lower prices

Right now, electric vehicles are more expensive to buy than similar gas-powered models. Even with the higher price tag, though, the fuel cost savings, reduced maintenance and other bonuses make it worth it. And more options and styles are on the way, too! There are over 50 styles available today, and there will be over 90 by 2020.

With advancements in technology and increasing benefits, electric vehicles will one day become the norm. Gas-powered vehicles will be a thing of the past.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Since electric vehicles can run on a rechargeable battery, they produce fewer emissions - the stuff that comes out of a tailpipe.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Facts and myths about electric vehicles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Train Travel is Good for the Environment

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out exactly why train travel is more sustainable and better for the environment than any other form of transport.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It is generally agreed that rail's great asset is its environmental sustainability. This is why people tend to think of rail freight in terms of advantages rather than disadvantages. Rail freight is considered the land transport mode of the future. For companies, however, aspects such as reliability, loading capacity and transport speed are also crucial in addition to the carbon footprint. Where rail scores - and where it does not - is compiled in our overview.

Rail and Road Freight: Competition and Mutual Supplementing

The two competing modes of overland transport are rail freight and road freight. Inland shipping, with its very limited route network of navigable rivers and canals, plays only a secondary role as an alternative to land transport. But it is too short-sighted to regard road and rail only as competitors. They can also complement each other in intermodal transport concepts. Whereby "can" is hardly an apt description for most cases - often, road can not only complement rail, it actually has to do so: This is at least the case if the destination of the shipment is not connected to the rail network or whenever the rail system is overloaded.

This addresses one disadvantage of rail in advance. In the following, further cons and pros of rail transport are compiled, not only to present the ecological balance of rail as the biggest plus, but also to facilitate the decision in which cases which mode of transport is best suited.

Advantages of Rail Transport

Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions Equals Greater Sustainability

E-mobility is already predominant in rail transport. In Europe, around 80 percent of all freight train kilometers are covered electrically. This means that even now there are very few direct emissions. In the future, when the proportion of green electricity used to power locomotives gradually increases, net zero emissions from freight trains will be possible. At present, rail transport emits less than one-fifth of the greenhouse gases caused by road transport per ton transported and kilometer traveled. However, this is not only due to the drive system, but also to the better ratio of transport volume and necessary operating power.

Efficiency Thanks to High Cargo Capacity

Speaking of transport volumes, freight trains can ship more, larger, and heavier goods than trucks. On long-distance routes, this can be efficient not only ecologically but also economically. A large number of full container loads is possible in block train transport - i.e., the train transports only a single load without being split up en route. And in addition to full container loads (FCL), less-than-container loads (LCL) are also an option in wagonload freight.

Safety

The risk of a rail accident is around 40 times lower than for road transport. This results in a significantly lower failure rate for shipments. And with the few accidents on rail, there is also less risk of total loss, which frequently occurs after accidents with trucks on the road.

Furthermore, there is a lower risk of theft. There are very practical reasons for this: trucks in parking lots are easier for thieves to reach and, above all, easier to unload than freight cars in the rail bed. You cannot simply park next to the wagons and reload containers.

Plannability

Construction sites and unforeseeable incidents occur with every means of transport. On rail lines, signals can fail or track switches can be disrupted. At least trains cannot get stuck in sudden traffic jams like road freight, because line capacities are regulated by timetables. Therefore, short-term delays are rarer.

Standardized containers and trailers can be transported both by road and rail. This dispenses with the need for time-consuming reloading. The containers or trailers are simply lifted from the train onto the truck or vice versa. Transloading between freight trains and container ships is also quick if the port infrastructure is adequate. The intermodal potential compensates for the disadvantage that not every industrial park has a rail connection.

Disadvantages of Rail Transport

Low Level of Flexibility in Terms of Time and Location

The high degree of plannability in train transport has a downside: limited flexibility. A freight train must stick to the timetable and cannot depart spontaneously to carry out an unexpected delivery order. Thus, the train is inflexible in terms of time.

In addition, the freight train can only access locations with rail sidings - trucks are still indispensable for door-to-door transport. This also makes the train less flexible in terms of location than road freight.

Transport Costs

Charges for the utilization of tracks are often higher than those for the use of roads. This translates into freight rates being usually higher than the cost of road freight.

Noise Emissions

Anyone who has ever heard a freight train rush past knows what is meant. No doubt trucks also make noise - but it cannot be compared with the noise of a train at full speed. When tracks run through the middle of a community, this is especially problematic for residents. Whisper rails and noise barriers can help, but they are further price drivers.

Non-uniform Standards

National regulations and divergent technical standards even for track width are (still) unnecessarily slowing down rail transport at country borders. A change of train driver or even the locomotive may be necessary, while on the road the entire delivery can be carried out by one single person in one single vehicle.

Infrastructure in Need of Expansion

Moreover, the underdeveloped rail infrastructure is a stumbling block for rail freight. Only as many trains can run as the rail network allows. This can lead to unwanted waiting times. As the infrastructure in many countries is not only limited but also outdated, urgently needed maintenance work on the rail network adds to the expansion measures in many places. Repair work further restricts the already scarce rail capacities and extends transport times, while unexpected damage to bridges or signal boxes can lead to train cancellations.

Conclusion

The ecological benefits of rail freight provide companies with the opportunity to reduce their own ecological footprint through their shipments - however, this may be associated with longer waiting times, higher freight rates, and a certain degree of inflexibility. For this reason, road freight will continue to be irreplaceable as the most flexible mode of transport for many transportation needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of rail transport?
Rail is sustainable - compared with trucks, it produces only about one-fifth of the emissions per kilometer traveled and ton transported. At the same time, due to its largeer cargo capacity, it is efficient, mostly punctual, and ideal for intermodal use in combination with road freight. And: the risk of an accident and a resulting total loss is comparatively low.

What are the disadvantages of rail transport?
Non-uniform standards in legal requirements and technical equipment, and an infrastructure in need of expansion often dampen the euphoria - especially when it comes to cross-border train services. And: in most cases, rail alone is not sufficient, as the destinations are often not connected to the rail network. Reloading the goods onto a truck is often necessary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Rail Freight - Pros and Cons of Rail Transport | DHL Freight

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The major advantage of rail freight is its sustainability. What are the other advantages and what are the drawbacks? We give you the lowdown.

# data[].attributes.headline
How one City Increased Bus Transport by 70%

# data[].attributes.subject
How one City Increased Bus Transport by 70%

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainable transportation: +70% bus ridership in YOUR city!

# data[].attributes.headline
Increasing Public Transportation in Cities

# data[].attributes.subject
Increasing Public Transportation in Cities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Council Post: Not All Public Transportation Systems Are Sustainable—Here’s How They Can Be

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
By focusing on encouraging ridership, implementing user-friendly and affordable ticketing solutions and creating optimized routes, we can maximize public transit’s ability to drive sustainability while ensuring populations are able to get from point A to point B efficiently and safely.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
While traveling, we consistently look for a better and convenient method to navigate throughout the city. If we look at the recent rideshare innovation, we can see how popular these methods are becoming. For instance, bikes are available in many cities for 'bike-sharing.' How it works is a traveler can ride a bike as public transportation and pay a fee to use for a couple hours or for the day.

Just like any other transportation method, there are various pros and cons of bike-sharing that you should know before renting a bike. Many people agree that this method of transportation is of great help for visitors, but it is bound to have some flaws.

Here we will discuss its advantages and disadvantage so you can be prepared when you decide to use the bike-sharing system.

Advantages
1. Convenient Mode of Transportation
The most common benefit of this program is its accessibility. If you are fond of cycling, you will find this method helpful as there are numerous systems just about everywhere for you to use. Bigger cities are supporting the use of bike-sharing. This is why it is common to find bike-sharing systems in downtown areas. Driving a car through congested avenues can be frustrating and irritating. This makes bike sharing very convenient.
2. Healthy Method for Traveling
Wellness, fitness, and health are an essential part of your life. You should care about what you consume and what your daily activity is. Bike-sharing systems can help and encourage you to live a better and healthier life. They help you stay in shape even when you are away from home vacationing.
3. Environmental Benefits
Maintaining a clean environment is as important as maintaining your health. Living in a heavily polluted environment can cause various health issues. Bikes do not release greenhouse gases, unlike buses and cars. So, if you are renting a bike from a bike-sharing system, you reduce the carbon footprint and take measures to keep your environment safe.

Disadvantages
1. Congestion in the Users of Bike Sharing
As bike-sharing systems can help you travel throughout the city, they do not exist in infinite numbers. Waiting can be annoying if the bike is not available. You may face this problem during peak hours.
2. A Helmet is a Requirement
When you are planning to ride a bike, you need to keep safety measures in your mind. Therefore, wearing a helmet is essential. Some bike sharing systems may require you to use a helmet but might not provide them for you. Sometimes you will need to bring your own which can be a hassle.
3. Bikes Are Not Clean
Shared bikes can be unhygienic as many people have probably used it before you. The seat and handlebars are a particularly high-traffic area for germs, so cleanliness is always a concern.

Share Bikes Not Germs

If you are a bike lover, most likely you will consider renting a bike regardless of the disadvantages. As you travel and share bikes with other people you will be exposed to their gems, so why not get yourself Pedaler handlebar covers?

Pedaler handlebar covers are transferrable and are easy to put on and take off. Most importantly they are machine washable! You can use them to avoid touching the handle and wash them for the next time you share a bike!

Browse our handlebar covers here! We have a selection of different colors for the whole family.

Also in gottapedal

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While traveling, we consistently look for a better and convenient method to navigate throughout the city. If we look at the recent rideshare innovation, we can see how popular these methods are becoming. For instance, bikes are available in many cities for 'bike-sharing.'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In some circles, the term " eco-travel" has become popular in recent years. When most people use it, what they mean is transportation methods that leave no carbon footprint. Walking is one way to get from point A to point B with no carbon footprint, and cycling is another.

Many people prefer cycling to walking because if you're on a bike, you can usually get to where you're going a lot quicker. Your top speed while cycling is always going to be faster than your maximum speed while walking. If you're work-bound or you want to run an errand while on your bike, you'll get there in less time than if you walk.

There are several compelling reasons why you should get yourself a bike if you don't have one yet. However, there are also cons that are worth discussing. Let's go over the arguments for and against cycling right now.

Biking in some cities is dangerous

Let's say you live in a big metropolis, like New York City. New York is an interesting example because the government there has tried to make the city as bike-accessible as possible over the past couple of decades.

In recent years, New York has added more than 300 bike lane miles throughout the five boroughs. Still, in a city with more than 6,000 street miles total, fewer than 1 in 5 actually has a bike lane right now.

If you own a bike and live in New York, you might ride it to and from work every day. The real issue is whether your route to work has bike lanes.

Even if some of the streets do, probably not all of them feature bike lanes. Every time you're on a street without them, you have to share the road with much larger vehicles.

You'd hope that cabs and Uber drivers would be okay sharing the street with a cyclist, but most of them are pretty impatient. It's not an exaggeration that some New York City cab drivers will speed up when they see you crossing the street rather than slowing down. They're no more patient for what they perceive to be a slow-moving cyclist whose top speed cannot possibly rival their own.

It's Good Exercise

That's a potential con, but now on to one of the pros. Biking is an excellent exercise. If you bike several miles to and from work every day, you get a chance to lose weight and build up some muscles that you otherwise would not.

Using big city living as an example again, if you live somewhere like New York, where rents are so obscene, you probably have to put in a ton of work hours every week just to keep your bills from burying you. You likely have little exercise time. Even if you get yourself a gym membership, how often do you have a chance to head there and use it?

If you have a bike and ride it to and from work each day, that's several workouts that you wouldn't otherwise get. You don't get any exercise like that if you're public transportation-reliant. If you're sitting on a subway during your commute, that's not burning any calories.

Biking is Eco-Friendly

To return to what we were saying at the article's beginning, many people like cycling because of how environmentally friendly it is. If you bike everywhere you go, you're not burning any fossil fuels. Taking public transportation is better than driving a gas-burning vehicle, but cycling is still better than that.

Electric cars are on the road now, but even the cheapest ones are way more expensive than bicycles. Plus, if you buy an electric car, you have to find a place to put it every night.

If you live in a large city and you're in an apartment rather than a house, then presumably, you don't have a garage. Each evening when you arrive home from your job, you'll have to circle your neighborhood multiple times, attempting to locate a suitable place to park the vehicle.

Cycling Saves You Money

Cycling also represents a significant money-saving opportunity for you. If you get a high-end bike, that might cost you a few hundred dollars. You can always get a more modestly priced one, though.

Once you have that bike, you own it, and you don't need to put up any further cash, except if you blow a tire or you need to replace some other component. For the most part, all you need is the money upfront, and once the bike is yours, your transportation to and from work is free every day.

Think of the money you can save. You won't have to spend any cash on a bus or train pass every week or month. That can save you several thousand dollars every year in some cases. Obviously, bike riding to and from work and other places is much cheaper than purchasing your own car as well.

You Can Keep the Bike Right in Your Apartment

One more bike ownership advantage is that you can take the bike into your building, carry it up the stairs or onto the elevator, and stow it safely in your apartment. You don't have to leave it chained up on the street where some determined thief might cut the chain and steal it.

Bikes take up very little space, and even if you have a small apartment or studio space, you can get creative and stash the bike in a closet or somewhere else out of the way. You might even install hooks in your wall and hang the bike up, thereby maximizing your floor space.

When you think about it, most people will agree that there are far more bike ownership pros versus cons. You don't need a bike just because you live in a big city, either. Even if you live in a much more rural setting, there's no reason you can't own a bike there and experience many of the same benefits.

This entry was posted in go green and tagged bicycle, cycling, eco travel, eco trends. Bookmark the permalink.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Cycling is the Perfect Choice? 5 Cycling Pros and Cons - Ecobnb

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are several compelling reasons why you should get yourself a bike if you don't have one yet. Find out the arguments pros and cons of cycling right now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the busy cities, there is always traffic jams that can make you go to work late. Have you left for work on time only to arrive very late because of traffic jam? This has happened to many people who are commuting through car. To avoid such ugly experience, many people are commuting through train. Commuter trains do not share the same route with vehicles. They move on their rails. The rails are never congested. Once a commuter train takes off, nothing will disrupt the movement until it gets to its destination.

Health Benefits

Research carried out from March through August 2005 in Brooklyn Polytechnic University showed that train commuters do more walking than people who commute with cars. This is probably because the commuter trains can only stop at designated places. From there the people can walk down to their offices or homes. This can serve as a means of exercise. Indeed, many people do not have time to exercise themselves because their life is just a streamline movement - from their homes to their office. Early in the morning they will drive to work and come back in the evening. But commuting through trains offers people the opportunity to walk a little bit. The research shows that greater percentage of car commuters suffer from stress and bad moods.

Environmental Benefits

Commuting with train is also very beneficial to the environment. Though train emits carbon dioxide to the atmosphere but the number of commuter trains is not many as the number of cars on the roads today. This explains why many people are suggesting commuter trains as the best alternative to car transport. So, you can join hand in saving the atmosphere by commuting with train.

Fewer Accidents

Accidents do not occur in railways as they occur on the roads. This is why transportation by train has remained the safest.

There are also some disadvantages of commuting through train:

Congestion

In big cities with huge population, commuter trains are always congested. There are some commuter trains that allow passengers to stand up. In such commuter train, people do not normally have space even to move their bodies. This is not good for people who are suffering from respiratory problems like asthma. Besides, it can lead to the spread of diseases.

Poor Air Condition

Most commuter trains today do not have air conditioners. With the huge number of people on board, the train is always stuffy, hot and malodorous.

Not Suitable for Children

Commuter trains are suitable for children due to congestion. Children normally need space. Commuter train cannot offer them such. However, in recent time there are many commuter trains that offer maximum comfort to the passengers. Such trains are constructed with the latest technology. There are comfort rooms and comfortable seats. But such trains are more expensive than usual ones.

Maintenance

On the part of government, it is cheaper to maintain railways than to maintain roads. Railways are not as many as roads and they are highly durable. Once it has been constructed, it will not cost much to be maintained.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This page breaks down the pros and cons of traveling by train. In big cities with huge population, commuter trains are often congested or not properly maintained.

# data[].attributes.headline
Why there isn't more public Transportation

# data[].attributes.subject
Why there isn't more public Transportation

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Without good public transit options, commuters in the US are forced to rely on cars, degrading air quality, creating congestion and increasing the amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. So why don't we have better public transport? Many years of car-centric policy and planning, coupled with cost-cutting and poor design, and negative public perception is to blame.

The current state

Public transportation in the US just isn't keeping up with that in other countries or with the needs of average Americans. Between solo drivers and carpools, three-quarters (75%) of US commutes by car. As rents rise and urban areas continue to sprawl, Americans, especially the working poor, spend more time commuting and more money on cars and insurance.

In a 2021 study, Texas A&M found that congestion in our 15 biggest cities costs close to $7 billion. Meanwhile, over the past 65 years, the US has spent nearly $10 trillion of taxpayer dollars on highways and roads. Just a quarter of that was spent on public transportation.

The benefits

Public transit is beneficial for our society and our planet. It reduces the use of fossil fuels and cuts climate emissions - especially when we're using electric options. It can also reduce congestion, noise, and air pollution. Public transit is sometimes described as an equalizer, making it easier for people of all ages, socioeconomic strata to access jobs, education, and culture. Studies have found that access to public transportation also improves children's social-emotional development, reduces burdens on parents, and reduces loneliness for the elderly. And finally, public transportation can have huge economic returns through job creation.

A failure of policy and planning

From 1890 to 1930 "streetcar suburbs" flourished as wealthy urbanites moved to multi-family mixed-use buildings in places like Denver, Des Moines, Los Angeles, and Boston. Most of the homes in these areas were within a five to ten minute walk from a streetcar stop which would take them into the nearest urban center.

There are some claims that American geography makes public transit untenable, but the truth is that our built environment has been created in such a way that people have little choice but to drive. After World War II, car culture and an increased focus on single-family homes built the kind of suburbs we know today. The winding roads of suburbs were invented to slow traffic, for example. Meanwhile, streetcar companies folded with little support from the government.

Today our urban areas continue to sprawl. Unfettered expansion into undeveloped land occurs at the expense of investments in existing spaces and infrastructures. This leaves people with longer and longer distances to travel and makes public transit connections even more difficult to build. For example, according to Brookings: "from 1970 to 1990, the Chicago area's population rose by only 4 percent, but the region's built-up land increased 46 percent."

And with suburban poverty on the rise across the nation, this leaves many residents stuck in a difficult position: without a car you can't work, and without work you can't pay for a car. Meanwhile the cost of car ownership is a major burden on the working poor.

Cost-cutting and poor design

Low ridership is sometimes given as a rationale for not investing in public transport. But when transport doesn't make sense, people won't ride it. The Brookings analysis in Chicago highlights one common commute, which would take 20 minutes by car and 60 minutes on public transit. According to Bloomberg, this poor design is often coupled with unreliable service due to lack of maintenance: "when the transit service that cities provide is not attractive, the demand from passengers that might "justify" its improvement will never materialize." In many cases, by cutting basic services to save money, transit providers continue losing ridership and revenue.

Politics and public perception

While in many parts of the world, public transport is seen as an essential utility, the US tends to treat it as social welfare. This is reinforced by the fact that poorly functioning public transit systems are often used only by those who don't have any other choice. Because these systems aren't seen as useful to the general public, they become divisive.

Public transit budgets are largely set by cities and states rather than the federal government, and spending per capita differs tremendously state by state. According to the Urban Institute: "current transit operations funding is biased toward wealthier, more liberal communities". This leaves other lower-income communities without affordable and reliable transit options.

So what can we do?

To increase ridership, we need to make public transit easier, cheaper, and more comfortable. Experts say that (electric!) buses are the way to go. They're cheaper and easier to purchase and put into place than complex infrastructure projects like subways. Thoughtful design using best practices such as understanding commuter preferences, coupling bus routes and affordable housing, and reducing the number of delivery vehicles on roads is crucial. To success

Discouraging car use also has a role to play. Brookings suggests "enacting congestion and vehicle miles traveled fees, increasing the cost of parking, and reinvesting these revenues in human-scale transportation infrastructure."

On a political level, The Urban Institute calls for a greater federal role in public transit administration, to ensure its availability as a public utility. Building local coalitions and showcasing how communities can benefit from public transit can go a long way to depoliticize the issue and build public support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Doesn't the U.S. Have Better Public Transportation?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Quality public transit could improve lives and clean up the environment, but efforts to make it better are hamstrung by poor design, car-centric planning, an...

# data[].attributes.headline
Why don't more cities have Metro (Rail) Systems

# data[].attributes.subject
Why don't more cities have Metro (Rail) Systems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why don't more U.S. cities have metro systems like New York?