Kenny Lane
More and more people are showing interest in switching to a more eco-friendly mode of transportation. From commuters to car owners, everybody believes that electric bikes are the best option – that’s why they’re all the rage right now.
In fact, this report states that the sales of electric bicycles are expected to reach 40 million units around the globe and generate $20 billion this year alone.
But how exactly do e-bikes contribute to sustainability? Let’s talk about the environmental benefits of e-bikes, the importance of environmentally friendly infrastructure for cyclists, and various ways to encourage more people to choose e-bikes as their primary mode of transportation.
The Road to a Greener Planet: Environmental Benefits of E-Bikes
Zero Emissions
Electric bicycles are powered by human pedaling and electric energy from lithium-ion batteries which make them a zero-emission vehicle. Riding an e-bike means you’re not contributing to global warming and you don’t emit pollutants into the atmosphere.
A single car produces about six metric tons of CO2 every year whereas an individual e-bike can lower CO2 emissions by 225 kilograms each year, according to National Geographic.
Long Battery Life
If you charge your e-bike using solar-powered energy then using it is 100 percent environmentally-friendly. However, while this isn’t attainable to all, the bike’s long-lasting batteries still have environmental benefits.
Depending on your use, a single charge can last from a few hours to several days. This gives you plenty of juice before you need to charge your bike again.
Reduces Waste
The batteries of electric bikes are durable and usually last from two to four years, some even longer. This means it will take a long time before they need to be replaced, resulting in less waste overall.
In addition, most e-bikes utilize lithium-ion batteries which do not contain toxic elements like lead. Plus, once the battery needs replacing, you don’t have to throw the whole thing out as most of its parts are recyclable.
Reduced Road Damage
E-bikes typically have lightweight frames compared to motorcycles, cars, and other vehicles that are much heavier and can damage roads. When a road is damaged, even heavier vehicles like trucks are used for repair. These trucks usually run all constantly until the repair is done, contributing to more environmental damage.
Eco-Friendly Mode of Transportation
Riding an electric bike is not only friendlier to the environment, but it is also a more efficient and cost-effective way to travel. E-bikes are about six times more efficient than trains, plus there are no waiting times or scheduling issues.
You can also travel far longer than with regular bikes because e-bikes are electrically-assisted which means less physical exertion.
The Importance of Environmentally Friendly Infrastructure for Cyclists
In 2020, the United States had a cycling boom, meaning there was a significant increase in the number of Americans who are now bike users. Just last year, there were already 54.7 million bikers in the country.
However, when it comes to bike infrastructure such as bikeways and protected lanes, the United States is still lacking. These infrastructures not only keep cyclists and pedestrians from accidents, but they also help encourage more people to convert to bicycles which have plenty of benefits to the environment and to the community as a whole.
In addition, bike infrastructure also helps cities be more equitable because plenty of low-income or minority communities use bicycles as their primary mode of travel and transportation. The Chicago Tribune says that the majority of individuals who travel to work using bikes are from low-income households that earn less than $10,000.
Here are a few other advantages of putting up environmentally friendly bike infrastructures for cyclists:
- Improved Air Quality: When a city has well-designed bike infrastructures, traffic congestion can significantly decrease. More individuals will be encouraged to switch to cycling which means fewer vehicles on the road. In turn, there will be lower emissions of air pollutants resulting in cleaner and healthier air for everyone.
- Reduced Noise Pollution: Bicycles significantly make less noise compared to motorized vehicles. If there is more bicycle-friendly infrastructure, the overall noise pollution will be reduced, resulting in quieter and more pleasant living areas which benefits the residents and the broader community.
- Enhanced Public Health: As mentioned, the presence of environmentally friendly cycling infrastructure will help encourage more people to go biking. Biking promotes a healthier lifestyle through an increase in physical activity. It also has numerous health benefits which include anxiety and stress reduction, weight management, and cardiovascular fitness. There is a big potential for a healthier population as more individuals get into biking – resulting in lower healthcare costs and improved overall quality of life.
- Preservation of Green Spaces: Green spaces like parks or tree-lined bicycle paths are often incorporated or utilized in the development of bike infrastructures. Not only does this help improve the aesthetic appeal of the area but also contributes to diversity.
Ways to Encourage More People to Choose E-Bikes
The goal is to convince more people to adopt eco-friendly modes of transportation and bring down the number of car users.
Mike Radenbaugh, the CEO and founder of a Seattle-based bike company, says that the cities that focus their commitment to the safety of bikers are those that have the highest e-bike adoption. “Cities that have made a big investment in cycling infrastructure are also the cities where we’ve seen the most sales,” he says.
What else can we do?
A few changes in culture, design, and policy should be implemented as a start. Here are a few ways to help encourage community members to adopt e-bike use:
- Development of Infrastructure: As mentioned, bike infrastructure development should be prioritized. The presence of dedicated bike lanes, charging stations, parking facilities, and bike-friendly parks will not only enhance safety but provide bikers with the amenities they need – which makes biking more appealing to others.
- Government Incentives: One good way for the local government to encourage their community members to adopt e-bikes is to offer financial incentives and subsidies like rebates or tax credits. This will help electric bikes become more affordable and accessible to many.
- Employer Incentives: Businesses can also do their part and encourage their employees to ride e-bikes to and from work by providing incentives. Charging stations, company-sponsored bike purchase programs, or small incentives for e-bike users are all good options.
- Educational Campaigns: People won’t shift to e-bike use if they don’t know anything about it. Local governments or e-bike advocates should launch simple educational campaigns to raise awareness and to educate the broader community about the environmental advantages, health benefits, cost savings, and efficiency associated with e-bike use.
- Community Events: Apart from launching an educational campaign, community programs and events featuring e-bikes can help interest and enthusiasm among community members. Test ride events, group rides, and workshops will help encourage and engage people to try e-bikes.
Conclusion
The adoption of electric bicycles is one of the biggest steps of humankind towards a greener, more sustainable future. These bikes provide numerous environmental advantages, health benefits, and even economic gains. They also foster a sense of camaraderie and engagement within the broader community.
We should first address the barriers to e-bike adoption; after which we can all enjoy the rewards.
Read Also:
Choosing E-Bikes For A Sustainable Future: Here’s Why
Pedaling Towards Sustainability: How E-Bikes Shape a Cleaner and Healthier World
Eco-Friendly Commuting: The Environmental Edge of E-Bikes Over Cars
Reference Sources
https://www.eesi.org/articles/view/better-bike-infrastructure-improves-environmental-and-human-health
https://www.smalltownbikeco.com/blogs/news/environmental-benefits-of-electric-bikes
https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/benefits-of-improving-bicycle-infrastructure/
