Bike Commuting Trends are UP: Here's Why

May 12, 2010 9:01 AM ET
Campaign: Pedal Power! May is National Bike Month

Taiga Company Blog

According to the US Census Bureau’s 2008 American Community Survey (ACS), released on September 22, 2009, 0.55 percent of Americans use a bicycle as the primary means of getting to work. This is up 14 percent since 2007, 36 percent from the first ACS in 2005, and 43 percent since the 2000 Census.

As expressed in our sustainability consulting, bike commuting is a win-win for both businesses and individuals looking to reduce costs, embrace eco awareness, and adhere to business and personal sustainability programs.  It's not uncommon to be asked in an eco friendly training session, "Why ride a bike to work?"  Current commuters understand the benefits, but for those that don't, here's why: 

Bike commuting improves your health:

  • Staying in better shape will decrease your chances of getting sick.

  • National health statistics show that when you're more active, you decrease your risk for cancer, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.

  • Bicycle commuting allows you to include your workout in your daily schedule and helps to meet fitness goals.

Bike commuting improves your mood:

  • More energy available throughout the day.

  • Improved health and happiness.

  • Regular participation in a cycling routine naturally shifts your focus to include thoughts of the weather, areas in your community to ride, road safety, and traffic.  Thereby increasing your awareness of the link between the environment and your community.

Bike commuting saves you money:

  • Reduce car maintenance.

  • Reduce your gas bill.

  • Reduce parking costs.

Bike commuting helps the environment by reducing your carbon footprint.

Employees aren't the only ones to reap the benefits.  We explain in our business sustainability consulting the benefits to employers in adopting a bike commuting program: click here to continue reading.

  Home to one third of the earth's trees, the Taiga is the largest land-based biosphere and encircles the globe. Its immense oxygen production literally changes the atmosphere and refreshes the planet. It is this continuous renewal that has shaped Taiga Company's vision to drive similar change in the business world. Taiga Company seeks to be the "oxygen for your business".   TAIGA6610