In a time where gas prices keep rising, the talk around efficient methods of transportation has become even more important. The most efficient vehicle is not a Prius or the Chevy Volt, it is a common bicycle. Because of the nature of bikes it takes less energy to bike one mile than walk one mile, it is also much faster. If you want to compare the amount of calories burnt while biking to a car, there is a huge difference. One hundred calories can power a biker for three miles, while three hundred calories (remembering that a calorie is a unit of measurement for energy) can power a car only around 300 feet. If you keep discussing with your family and friends about renewable resources then look into biking to places that are close. Biking uses a renewable resource; it uses the energy that we get from food to travel.
Even if we were not talking about Cycling as an efficient method of transportation, it is still a great workout. It is a non-impact workout (running is an impact workout) so it will be easy on your joints. It gives you a cardio workout, and increases balance, strength, and flexibility. While riding a bike at around 12-14 mph you will burn around 235 calories per every half an hour. Cycling is a great way to get places fast and also stay in shape. Especially if you live in the city you should look into biking to your destinations.
The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man.
Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish.
Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.
~Iris Murdoch, The Red and the Green
