A Bicycle Culture: The Facts

1. The bicycle is the most efficient mode of transportation

Not only is a bicycle the most efficient mode of transportation, but biking can also be the most convenient and safest ways to a destination. This is very dependent on the local biking infrastructure and policies (to be continued...).

2. For mental health, biking or walking to work is psychologically better for you

According to a study by a group of health economists in the UK, active commuting (biking and/or walking) contributes to improved well being, better concentration at work, and less stress.

Psychological health: for the purposes of this study, the research team looked at aspects including feelings of worthlessness, unhappiness, sleepless nights, and being unable to face problems. Factors such as income, children, moving house or job, and relationship changes were also factors. 

Commute time is also important: "our study shows that the longer people spend commuting in cars, the worse their psychological well being. And correspondingly, people feel better when they have a longer walk to work." 

This information has recently been covered by BBC. 

 3. Biking is great for your body and health

Okay, this one is obvious, but "being and staying healthy" and "public health" are hot topics these days! How can we improve our physical health (along with mental health)? Simple: hop on a bike

What so many people don't realize is that, say you live relatively close to work and you commute to work by bike a few times a week. Forget going to the gym or feeling the need to work out -- you've got your daily or weekly exercise out of the way, without making it an extra chore. Seamlessly improving personal health.

In fact, Women's Health states that "half of American workers live within five miles of their workplace, according to the most recent National Household Transportation Survey. That's a totally doable 20-minute ride each way. If you live close to your office, you can pedal to work twice a week and burn up to 3,000 extra calories—close to one pound of fat—each month."

If you live close to work and are able to, try out the bike commute and see how you like it. You're going to have to get to work one way or another, you might as well burn calories while you do it! 

4. Commuting by bike is great for your wallet

Forbes notes that in the U.S. bicyclists can save "at least $4.6 billion a year by riding instead of driving."

A car comes with expenses like gas, maintenance, oil, and insurance. Not to mention that it's not an investment in the slightest: the value of a vehicle drops significantly the second you drive it off the lot. A bike has the initial cost of a couple hundred dollars, but after that, the maintenance and equipment costs are so minimal compared to that of a car. Plus you can usually always get front row parking with a bike.

5. Biking reduces traffic congestion and air pollution in cities 

Who doesn't want to breathe cleaner and healthier air, and reduce travel time in cars? Enough said. 

6. The Dutch lead the way for biking and walking, followed by Denmark and Germany - the U.S. has work to do

Copenhagen winter, image via Copenhagenize

And it's not like these 3 top countries have extraordinarily great weather year-round, either...

I am lucky to have lived (and be a current resident) in 2 of the 3 top countries for biking! I love to bike and walk, so it works out great for me.

Sources and more:
Reasons to Ride 
Exploratorium 
Rutgers.edu 
Rudi.net 
Copenhagenize 
Women's Health 
Science Daily 
Share the Road 
Mint.com 
Forbes 
Psych Central 
Science Daily 
Biking: A proven stress reliever
Forbes - The Costs and Savings of Bicycle Commuting 
How Much Money Can I Save Biking to Work?