Ankin Law Military Scholarship: Cycling to Work Advantages and Disadvantages, as well as, the Dangers

Brandi Joyner

Introduction

In 2016, more than 150 million Americans commute to work every day, and about 85.4 % or 128 million travel by an automobile1. In contrast, only about 0.6% travelled to work via bicycle1. However, this is an increase from 2006 with only .05%1. Now, there are many advantages for riding a bike to work like health improve and minimizing environmental impact. However, there are some disadvantages like the distance of the job, weather, and the risk of pedestrian-driver accidents.

Advantages

One of greater of advantages of riding a bicycle to work is that it can improve one’s cardiovascular health. A 2017 study in the United Kingdom concluded that individuals who participated in active commuting like walking and/or cycling to work had a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and cancer over a five-year span2. Cycling to work can also help alleviate depression and anxiety. Physical activity raises dopamine levels and these elevated hormones can help restore the chemical imbalance that is usually associated with depression and anxiety3.

Cycling can also have a beneficial impact on the environment by reducing carbon emissions. The average automobile emits about 313 grams of gaseous carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometer travelled compared to a bicycle with 16 grams of CO2 per kilometer4. Cycling in highly densely populated cities like Tokyo, New York City and London can help minimize their carbon footprint.

According to the U.S Department of Health & Human Services, less than of 5% of American adults partake in physical exercise for at least 30 minutes each day5. With that being said, biking to work can help include daily exercise into your busy workday.

 

Disadvantages

One of the main disadvantages of cycling to work is the weather. Weather factors like intense temperatures, precipitation, and wind can hinder an individual’s ability to safely ride to work. One could argue that they could easily bike in cold temperatures; however, with cold temperatures it is possible to have ice on roads and sidewalks. Biking in the rain or snow is also dangerous because oil and other waste on roads can mix with water and increase the chance of hydroplaning off the street or bike path.

The average American travels about 16 miles daily to their place of work6. In terms of mathematical logic, it is plausible to say that very a small portion of American workers live within a reasonable distance from their workplace with the exception of urban areas. This is obviously a disadvantage for cycling to work because it seems more logical to drive to work to save time.

Unfortunately, in 2012, more than 250 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents with an additional 49,000 injuries7. Many of these fatalities and injuries occur in urban areas like inner cities because of  the higher density of traffic.  A number of these incidents occur because drivers and cyclists are either distracted by their phones, passengers, or outside influences like other motorists and pedestrians. Not implying that is an epidemic for cyclists, but it is worth to  acknowledge that preventable tragedies can occur.

Conclusion

As seen above, there are some advantages and disadvantages to cycling to work. The main advantage of cycling are benefits to cardiovascular and mental health. A main disadvantage of cycling are uncontrollable factors like the weather, and the serious dangers of cycling regards to the safety of the rider and other motorists. However, if more Americans in urban areas who live relatively close to their workplace cycled to work, it can help shrink their carbon footprint.

References

1: https://www.statista.com/chart/11355/how-americans-commute-to-work/

2: https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j1456?tab=related#datasupp

3: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits

4:https://www.ourstreetsmpls.org/does_bike_commuting_affect_your_carbon_footprint_and_how_much

5: https://www.hhs.gov/fitness/resource-center/facts-and-statistics/index.html

6: https://itstillruns.com/far-americans-drive-work-average-7446397.html

7: https://ankinlaw.com/bicycle-pedestrian-car-accidents-numbers/