14 DAY TRIAL // Denmark redefines itself as an eco-conscious nation through its passion for cycling. A recent study indicates that if every European residents were to embrace the same healthy habit, Europe would be able to curb greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%.
The report was issued by European Cycling Federation (ECF). It succeeds in highlighting that people from Denmark are truly earth-friendly, since an average person cycles almost 600 miles (965km) on an annual basis, the Guardian informs.
If the EU were to display the same rate in the near future, it would find an effective response to their commitment to reduce air pollution and increase air quality. As a matter of fact, replacing cars with bikes to exceed Denmark's efforts would count as an effective technique, meant to curb greenhouse gas emissions by a little more than one quarter of its announced emission reduction target previously announced.
The strategy would come along with other environmental benefits, since authorities would have to focus less on potential solutions and start favoring already existing elements with a lot of potential, like cycling.
"Things like e-cars will need a massive investment in new infrastructure. But that's almost part of the problem. Politicians like having those massive, awe-inspiring projects, something to change the face of transport. The big advantage of the bicycle is that it exists as a vehicle, it's not just a projected attempt to reduce emissions," note the authors of this study.
Moreover, experts try to convince the authorities using accurate data, that the ecological footprint of a person riding a bike is significantly lower than the emissions generated by a person driving an average car.
The report reveals that Bikes are an efficient tool in tacking climate change, since they involve only 21g of carbon emissions for every passenger, compared to cars that imply 271g for its passengers and no less than 101g for a bus.