When people talk about saving the planet, what they usually mean is using less plastic, recycling, or planting more trees. But there’s another great way to help this blue planet of ours that isn’t always mentioned during these important discussions, and that’s riding a bike.
People in Arizona are really dependable on their cars, but peddling around can actually make a difference. Let’s see how riding a bike helps the state to reduce its carbon footprint and how it contributes to a healthier and more sustainable tomorrow.
How Cycling Helps Reduce Carbon Emissions
What exactly happens every time you ride your bike instead of driving, is keeping a bunch of nasty air pollution from being pumped out into the sky. Cars burn gasoline or diesel, and that releases carbon dioxide (CO2), a gas that traps heat, into the atmosphere and makes the planet warmer. You don’t need any fuel for cycling and it doesn’t produce any emissions, so it’s much better for the environment and our bodies, as well as our minds.
Here’s something that you probably don’t know: for every mile you bike instead of drive, you save about 404 grams of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. So if just 10% of people in Phoenix, Arizona’s largest city, switched to cycling for their short trips, it could reduce CO2 emissions greatly. That’s equivalent to planting millions of trees.
Helping Cities Breathe Easier
Even though the Grand Canyon State is known for its clear blue skies, in big cities smog and pollution are a problem. As cycling helps reduce car exhaust, it automatically leads to cleaner air. This also means that there will be fewer cars on the roads which means less traffic and fewer accidents. Cities will become a better place to live.
Plans to Support Cycling
The state has some big goals when it comes to fighting climate change, it’s working hard to reduce greenhouse gasses, and cycling is a big part of the plan. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is working on creating more bike-friendly streets and adding bike lanes so that more people choose cycling over driving.
For example, there are bike-sharing programs in Tucson, and people can rent bikes to take short trips around the city. They’ve also been building more protected bike lanes, so cyclists don’t have to worry about cars zooming past them. Phoenix has a “Complete Streets” initiative that is redesigning streets so that walking and biking are easier and safer for everyone, and not just cars.
Staying Safe on Arizona Roads
We already stated that cycling is a great way to help the environment and stay healthy, but safety is always a big concern, especially if you are riding near traffic. Sadly, accidents can still happen, and when they do, it’s important to know what your rights are.
If you’re ever involved in a bike crash in Arizona, it might be a good idea to talk to a lawyer who specializes in bicycle accidents. That way you, will get help so that you can deal with insurance companies, hold drivers accountable for unsafe driving, and receive any compensation you might need for medical bills or bike repairs. It’s just one more way to stay safe and supported on the road.
Encouraging People to Bike
Making biking more popular isn’t just about building bike lanes, people should also be excited to ride a bike. Arizona is considering offering tax incentives for people who bike to work. Some states already have this kind of program, where cyclists can get a tax credit for commuting by bike. This way, cycling to work will be more attractive, especially for short trips in big cities where driving is more trouble than it’s worth.
Bikes at Work
Have you ever seen a fancy office with bike racks and showers for employees? That’s happening in some Arizona businesses that are starting to support cycling by making it easier for workers to commute on two wheels, and they offer perks like:
- Bike storage: So you don’t have to chain your bike to a street post.
- Changing rooms and showers: Perfect for cleaning up after your sweaty ride.
- Flexible hours: So you can ride when the seasons change and it’s not so warm outside anymore (or when it’s too hot since this is Arizona we’re talking about).
The employees are encouraged to bike to work and they even receive financial incentives for doing it. A program such as this can help reduce car traffic and improve air quality, and the workers will be healthy and happy.
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Cutting Down Dependence on Cars
Car dependency is a real thing in Arizona. Cities are far apart, and many people rely on their vehicles even for short trips. But if more companies encourage cycling and cities make it safer and easier to ride, the state could see a significant shift away from cars. This would also reduce tons of CO2 every year.
Overcoming Challenges
Cycling can be awesome but it has its challenges. For one, Arizona gets really hot, and riding a bike in the middle of the day during the summer is not the best idea. But for those who are willing, there’s always a way, like biking early in the morning or late in the evening when it’s much cooler. Also, the state is working on planting more trees and adding more shade and water stations along bike paths to make cycling more comfortable, even during hotter months.
Making Biking Safer
Safety is another big concern. Let’s be real, riding a bike next to cars can be intimidating and more times than not also dangerous. That’s why Arizona cities are building more protected bike lanes and trying to improve traffic laws to make sure cyclists stay safe. In places like Tempe, new bike signals are being added at intersections to give cyclists a head start before cars move.
The Future Is Pedal-Powered
Cycling is more than just a way of getting from point A to point B, some people consider it a way of life. No matter your stance, you have to admit one thing: it can be a powerful tool in reducing carbon emissions while making Arizona a greener and healthier place to live. Bike-friendly infrastructure, tax allowances, and workplace programs that encourage employees to bike to work are excellent ways to help create a more sustainable future.
So, next time you think about driving your car for a short trip, please consider taking your bike instead. Not only will you help the planet, but you’ll also get a workout, and who doesn’t love that?
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — Featured Photo Credit: Leonardo Vazquez.
