Comfortable And Emission-Free Commuting Options To Consider

March 05, 2021

When people drive to work every day, they often get tired of the congestion and traffic queues.

People who use the trains frequently push their way through the crowds, and rush to find an empty seat. It can be tedious waiting for buses to arrive, especially when they are late and you are in a hurry.

Comfortable And Emission-Free Commuting Options To Consider

Not only are these scenarios unpleasant for the commuters; they are also bad for the environment. When transport involves the use of petrol or diesel, there are unhealthy emissions released into the atmosphere.

The air becomes polluted, and global warming is increased. As a result, people are concerned at international and local levels. Governments and local councils are keen to encourage commuters to find greener ways to travel.

Fortunately, there are more environmentally friendly options for you to consider, and we’ll discuss them right now.

Electric Bikes

Surprisingly, studies reveal that carbon emissions for pedestrians and bus users are the same. This is because of the increased amount of food the person will need to sustain their journey. E-bikes combine the functionality of manual pedaling and assisted biking, thanks to an onboard electric battery.

Research confirms that there is a lower carbon footprint for electric bikes than for manual bicycles. Once again, the reason is the required food consumption needed to push biking.

It’s possible to explore the different models online. If a person were looking to stand out, they should consider the Elby S1 48V 500W electric commuter bike e01c because of its gorgeous and chic design. Many people are attracted to flash sales and positive customer reviews.

E-bikes are weightier than pedal bikes but can travel further. They are also useful if commuters are carrying heavy items. Their pedal-assist option means that seniors or people with health issues can view them as a viable option.

When an e-bike does some of the work for a commuter, they won’t need to change their clothes on arrival at work.

Cycling And The Environment

Whilst no form of travel is perfect, one study concluded that walking and cycling involves 40% of the emissions you’d have with driving a car. Imagine the number of cyclists in the UK increased by six times – and all of these people were previously car drivers.

The air quality would then return to the levels experienced during the 1940s when there were fewer cars.

During the research, scientists discovered that the carbon footprint of a cyclist is around 21g of CO2 per km. If someone walks or takes the bus the figures get worse, and if they go by car it’s magnified ten times. The consensus is that of all the forms of manual transport, cycling produces the lowest carbon footprint, however, three-quarters of the greenhouse gas emissions generated by cyclists coming from the bike manufacturing process, and the food required by the riders.

Bikes And Comfort

Commuters are best advised to shop around and try the different saddles available. A person’s needs will depend on their gender and body shape. Added to that are their particular bike and the way they ride it.

Cruiser saddles are good for body support, whilst comfort saddles are designed to absorb shock and vibrations.

If someone buys a saddle that is too soft, it will be unsupportive. Wide saddles are okay for slow to moderate speeds but can generate chafing and friction when a person travels fast.

The choice of saddle is an important one because it helps a person’s blood to flow. It also aids muscle development and can protect the rider from injury. People should not compromise their health to save money.

Folding Bikes

Some commuters use both a bike and public transport to get to work. This is where folding bikes come into their own.

The models with larger wheels are less comfortable to carry around, and not all trains or buses accept them. The versions with smaller 20-inch wheels are more practical, however.

Whilst they are slower than other bikes, they are great for short journeys and when climbing lots of stairs. They can be easily folded and kept secure, thanks to lockable hinges.

Other Bikes

If the commute to work involves rugged terrain, a mountain bike may be more suitable. There is more road grip as it has wider wheels, and also added suspension.

Hybrid flat bar bikes are a step down from these and provide an upright, more comfortable ride for commuters.

At the end of the day, bikes provide the best option from an environmental angle, with the electric versions at the very top. E-bikes may cost more but they can enable people to travel further, and can also benefit people who would otherwise struggle.

If a bike is purchased with a quality saddle, it could be both comfortable and a benefit to the environment.

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