Cycling is one of those activities that generates more than just a single positive outcome. Cycle regularly and you'll feel fitter and healthier. You'll significantly reduce your carbon footprint. You'll see more, and get off the main roads. You'll pay less gas money and fewer parking fees. And you'll also encourage others to do the same. The more cyclists take to the roads, the safer it will be for everyone.

If you have a good quality road bike, cycle transport can also be very fast. Because cyclists can often bypass stationary traffic or take short cuts, inner city commute times can actually be reduced by leaving the car at home. In some cities, bikes are also allowed on trains, so people can use a combination of transport methods. Visit foldingelectricbike.org to see a wide selection of electric bikes that can be taken on trains and buses especially easily!

As more people in places like the USA decide to take a bike rather than a car, there will be less congestion, less smog, less traffic noise, and less public money spent on roads- maintaining roads is a very expensive activity and it eats up a surprising percentage of gross national income. That's the kind offuture we all want.

While road cycling isn't as safe as it could be in some places, the situation is changing. Thousands of miles of cycle lanes are opening up and many of them are car-free. That trend will only speed up if more people start using these paths, so get on your bike and give them a try!