Alternative Transportation

To fight climate change we all need to do our part in reducing our emission levels of greenhouse gases. Since approximately half of the average person’s greenhouse gas emissions are from transportation we need to find practical ways to reduce our use of vehicles.

The Benefits of Active Transportation

Active transportation is human-powered transportation. Although cycling and walking are the most common modes, it can include anything else that gets you to your destination using your own energy, such as in-line skating or skateboarding. Whatever active transportation mode you choose, it has great benefits for you as an individual and for the Earth!

"Cycling satisfies so many needs. If you're in a gregarious mood, you can go out with a group. Or you can go alone - solo. If you're in an aggressive mood, you can go fast, or if you're tired and want to unwind you can go slow. A bicycle doesn't discriminate in age, either."
—Georgena Terry, Terry Precision Cycling

Environmental Benefits

Switching to active transportation reduces emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other pollutants that contribute to smog and acid rain. Greenhouse gases are atmospheric gases, primarily carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, which trap the sun’s heat, making the Earth a greenhouse. Emissions of greenhouse gases enhance the Earth’s greenhouse effect contributing to climate change.

Air pollution includes ground level ozone and fine airborne particles, as well as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides. This mix of substances is often called smog.

Up to 16,000 premature deaths per year in Canada can be attributed to air pollution.

Half of the average person’s greenhouse gas emissions are from transportation. Choosing active transportation is a fun and easy way to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions.

Shorter trips, which are most suited to active transportation, are the least fuel-efficient and generate the most pollution per kilometre when a motor vehicle is used.

Health Benefits

Active transportation provides opportunities to incorporate regular physical activity into daily activities.

Regular physical activity has many benefits. Not only will you look better and feel better about yourself, but you will also reduce your risk of diseases.

Regular physical activity can result in risk reduction: 30-40% in breast cancer, 30-40% in colon cancer, 50% in Type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.

By being physically active you will achieve better health, posture and balance, a healthy body weight, have stronger muscles and bones, and have continued independent living in later life.

Exercise can improve self esteem and body image, help you feel more relaxed, and reduce symptoms of depression.

Regular physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.

For more information about the active healthy lifestyles, visit the in motion web site.

Financial Benefits

Operating a car is very expensive. With the money saved on parking, fuel and maintenance for the car, an active commuter can buy a good quality bicycle, in-line skates or new walking shoes, with lots left over.

Canadian Automotive Association (CAA) estimated for 2003 that the average cost of driving a vehicle in Canada was 53 cents per kilometre or $9,525 per year (based on gas price of 80.1 cents/L and an annual driving distance of 18,000 kilometres).

Still not convinced?

Walkers and cyclists see more of their community than stoplights, white lines and car bumpers. You could stop at that little bakery you always pass by because it never has parking. Yum!

Active transportation increases social interaction with the community. Wave good morning to your mail carrier as you pass her!

It is usually easier to park a bike than a car, and is certainly less expensive!

Cycling at 20 km/hour is a comfortable speed, often making cycling the fastest way to travel for trips up to 5 kilometres long, especially during peak commuting hours.