How much carbon pollution could the world save by cycling daily?

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The World Could Save Nearly 700 Million Tonnes of Carbon Pollution Annually by Cycling Daily

Adopting a daily cycling habit globally could lead to substantial reductions in carbon pollution, potentially saving nearly 700 million tonnes of CO2 each year. This figure significantly surpasses the annual emissions of entire countries, highlighting the environmental impact of widespread bicycle use. Such a shift represents a major opportunity for decarbonising the transport sector, which currently accounts for a quarter of all fuel-related greenhouse gas emissions.
Emulating the Dutch Cycling Habit Offers Maximum Savings

If every person were to cycle 2.6 kilometres daily, mirroring the habits of people in the Netherlands, the world could achieve an annual saving of 686 million tonnes of CO2. This level of adoption would not only contribute significantly to climate goals but also bring associated health benefits from increased physical activity and improved air quality. The research indicates that a comprehensive global policy and infrastructure development supporting cycling, similar to that seen in countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, can unlock considerable climate and health advantages.
Danish Commuting Patterns Also Yield Significant Reductions

Emulating the Danish average commute of cycling 1.6 kilometres daily by every person worldwide could save approximately 414 million tonnes of CO2 annually. This amount is comparable to the total yearly emissions of a country like Britain. While global bicycle production has historically outpaced car manufacturing, with China being a major producer, high bicycle ownership does not automatically translate to high usage for daily commutes.
Challenges in Measuring and Promoting Bicycle Use

Global data on bicycle ownership and use, compiled for the first time using statistical modelling from the early 1960s to 2015, revealed complexities in understanding its role in transport. The study found that while bicycle ownership is often higher in wealthier nations, these countries also tend to have a higher percentage of journeys undertaken by car. In many of the 60 countries surveyed, the share of journeys made by bicycle was a mere five percent, with some nations lacking sufficient bicycle stock, while others, like the United States, primarily view cycling as a recreational activity rather than a primary mode of transport.

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How much carbon pollution could the world save by cycling daily?

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