How bicycle commute compares with other modes?

Commuting is generally evaluated based on time required and cost involved. But with changes happening in our environment we have to add other parameters in evaluation. Carbon footprint and stress level associated with the commuting mode is also important to be considered in evaluation.

Changes in environment are getting visible. Irregular rain patterns, heat waves, changes in temperature through the day and overall air quality changes are getting noticed. Unconsciously we are associating these changes with our lifestyle. We are beyond the point where scientific findings or research will shape our thoughts. We know the way things have changed dramatically over last 50 years, it will have some effects on our surroundings and it is happening. Whenever we start a car or any motorized vehicle we get a guilty feeling of doing further damage to our environment. We may not be fully aware of this guilt feeling but it is building up. And it will get more intense as time pass by.

Along with this guilt feeling, immense traffic on roads add on to our stress level. Though vehicles are comfortable and advanced we are getting more anxious of getting to destination as quickly as possible. No matter how good road infrastructure, with the rising vehicle population traffic jams are getting regular.

Bicycling helps in reducing the anxiety and completely eliminates the guilt feeling. In fact a bicyclist gives a hope to others that an eco-friendlier alternative is available and encourages countless other people to follow.

Public transport is better than private transport. But it’s like taking up someone else’s place, if we can used a perfectly carbon neutral personal means of commuting. Bicycle commuting is slower than personal transport. But it is comparable, even faster in some cases than using public transport. It’s cheaper than all above, helps in getting better physical form and reduces our carbon and stress footprint on society.