Take a moment in the morning before you get in your car this week and ask yourself, do you really need to drive?
That question, said Bike to Work Week organizer Michael Adiscott, should be on everybody’s mind in the runup to Bike to Work Week, from May 30 to June 5.
“Think for yourself before you turn the ignition, could I make this journey by bike?” he said. If you are taking your car for a short journey, think about putting it in neutral and pushing it, because that’s how much energy it takes. Then look at the energy it takes to push yourself on the bike.”
He stressed that longer journeys or tasks that require carrying large loads are less viable for cycling, however.
“It’s really important that we stress appropriate journeys,” he said. “Our key target is really for five kilometres or less. However, if you are driving less than two kilometres under most circumstances, you have to ask yourself why.”