The humble bike has been any environmentalist’s best friend for decades. That’s why everyone should start acting more Dutch and jump on a bike whenever possible.
Even better — it’s 100% official. Research recently published in the Communications Earth & Environment journal confirms what we’ve known forever: biking is better.
The study found that if everyone biked as much as the Dutch, we could cut the CO2 emissions from car usage by about 20%. That’s a huge help in the fight against the climate emergency.
The study compiled data from 1962 to 2015, putting together the first-ever global overview of bike use and ownership.
We like to move-it move-it
Transport is a key part of most societies across the world, be it in the shape of a horse, a scooter, a bike, a bus, or an electric car — people need to move.
READ MORE | Public transport in the Netherlands: the complete guide
That’s also why the transport sector contributes to about a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. Half of this comes from cars, which have been a fan favourite for commuting for ages.
READ MORE | 17 ideas that make the Dutch sustainability super-heroes
Dutch it up
The Dutch manage to bike an average of 2.6 kilometres a day — quite a bit more than most developed nations, which still rely mostly on car driving.
However, encouraging everyone to bike as much as the Dutch is easier said than done. The Netherlands’ landscape is famously as flat as its pancakes and, despite the rain, Dutch temperatures are relatively comfortable all year long.
READ MORE | The flying Dutchies: 8 marvellous things about the Dutch and their bikes
Other countries struggle more with normalising biking due to difficult terrain, uncomfortable or unreliable temperatures, and social stigma.
The best of both worlds
Difficulties nevertheless, the report claims there is enormous potential for increasing global biking habits, so if you’re planning on heading back to your home country, there’s no need to give up on biking culture just yet.
And if the climate crisis isn’t enough to get people going (or biking), it might be worth remembering the health benefits of swapping out the car with some physical activity.
Biking more can help reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and improve global public health.
So, Dutchies have set a great example, which, if followed, will help the health of humans and the planet — at the same time!
Have you been inspired to bike more? Tell us about it in the comments below!