Cycling 1.6 miles a day could cut global emissions by 686 million tonnes per year, study claims

If the recent dramatic weather has put you on edge about climate change, then dusting off the Lycra could be the best way you can help.

A new study has found that if everyone cycled just 1.6 miles (2.6 km) a day, we could reduce global carbon emissions by 686 million tonnes each year.

1.6 miles is the average distance cycled by people in the Netherlands, while 686 million tonnes is more than the UK’s total carbon emissions in 2015.

Meanwhile, if we were to match the Danes, who cycle one mile (1.6 km) each day, global carbon usage would be cut by as much as 414 million tonnes.

These findings are based on a global assessment of bicycle production, ownership, and usage by country from 1962 to 2015 from the University of Southern Denmark.

Animated historical per-capita bicycle ownership versus per-capita car ownership from 1962 to 2015.

A negative correlation was also identified between number of regular cyclists and adult obesity, so going Dutch or Danish could also have health benefits.

The authors wrote: ‘In the end, 0.34 and 0.62 million deaths could be prevented if the Danish and Dutch cycling patterns were followed globally.’

The transport sector accounts for a quarter of global fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions, with half coming from private vehicles.  

Cycling is well-known to reduce emissions, but it only plays a small role in transport in most countries, the authors found.

To investigate the bike’s potential role in sustainable road transport, the scientists collated all data available on bicycle ownership and usage for 60 countries.

The dataset, published today in Nature Communications: Earth and Environment, showed that global production of bicycles increased at a higher rate than cars.

China accounted for 65.7 per cent of global bicycle production in 2015, followed by Brazil, India, Italy and Germany, each taking up between 5 and 2 per cent.

The data also found that high bicycle ownership did not necessarily lead to high bicycle usage, as cycling accounted for less than 5 per cent of daily trips in most countries.

The authors claim that this could be because some populations view cycling as a recreational activity rather than a means of transportation.

Left, bicycle ‘modal share’ (percentage of regular cyclists) against bicycle ownership in different countries. Right, car modal share against car ownership in different countries

Graphs to show the effects of adopting the cycling habits of the average person in Denmark and the Netherlands. A: Carbon emissions B: Prevented deaths 

The current bicycle modal share (percentage of regular cyclists) and bicycle ownership per capita of the 60 countries in the dataset. The bubble sizes indicate the kilometres of service per bicycle and the colour indicates the rate of obesity in the country

To shift these perceptions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the paper suggests we should learn from countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands.

These countries have high bicycle usage and low cycling-related deaths, thought to be a result of the well-developed cycling infrastructure and flat terrains.

The researchers claim the Dutch and Danish people have a higher environmental awareness in comparison to other countries.

To tap into the potential climate benefits, the authors suggest that the authorities actively promote cycling as a mode of transport.

This would be by implementing policies to discourage car use through tax, constructing effective cycle lanes and pro-bicycle education.