If all Europeans cycled as much as the Danes, then the EU would be able to cut emissions by 25 per cent, new research suggests.
According to a study from the European Cyclists Federation (ECF), an average of 2.6 km of cycling a day instead of using the car would be enough to meet more than a quarter of the targeted emission reductions for the transport sector.
Recent reports have suggested that the EU cannot achieve the reduction of transport emissions by 60 per cent between 1990 and 2050 through technology alone. Exploring an alternative option, the federation says even taking into account the production and maintenance of bicycles and extra calorie intake needed by the cyclist, emissions from cycling are over 10 times lower than those stemming from the passenger car.
Comparing cars, buses, electric assisted bicycles and normal bicycles, ECF investigated how cycling could help the EU achieve its 2050 GHG reduction targets from transport. “Cycle 5kms a day and we reach 50 per cent of the target,” notes the report’s author Benoit Blondel, ECF Environment and Health Policy Officer, adding that “the potential for cycling to achieve these targets is huge. And with such little effort. Getting more people on bikes is going to be a lot cheaper than say getting more electric cars on the road”.
The study also reinforced the European Environment Agency’s recent assessment that improvements in technology and fuel efficiency alone will not allow the EU to achieve its target of reducing transport emissions by 60 per cent.
Blondel comments: “If we’re serious about meeting these targets we’re going to have to change our behaviour. It’s not about moving less. It’s about the way we move, and the transport choices governments make available”
Interestingly e-bikes, despite their electric assistance, have emissions in the same range as ordinary bicycles. Considering e-bikes allows for 56 per cent longer daily commutes and substitutes the car for 39 per cent of trips, they have a huge potential to further reduce transport emissions.
Bicycle-share schemes also have the potential to reduce further emissions, considering it is a substitute for motorised transport for 50-75 per cent of the users.
