The Benefits of BikePed Commuting

There are a number of benefits to switching from commuting in a single occupancy personal vehicle to walking or bicycling to work.

• improve air quality by removing a vehicle from our roadways
• save money on fuel and parking
• reduce roadway congestion
• stay healthy and fit
  • better memory
  • preventing depression

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends walking or bicycling to work for increasing physical activity. We should all get at least 30 minutes of daily physical activity. Why not make it part of your trip to and from work?

Even small increases in light to moderate activity will produce measurable benefits among those who are least active. Cycle for pleasure, but try to integrate bicycling wherever you can: a trip to the store, to a sporting event or party, to a concert, to a friend's house. Try cycling to work at least once a month, and then once a week.

You'll shape up, and your body will thank you. Because you'll reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and other chronic and life-threatening illnesses. You'll lower your health care costs. And while you're enhancing your physical health, you'll improve your mental outlook and overall quality of life.

• PBIC: Benefits of Bicycling
• Medicinenet: Cycling History, Benefits, Terms, Tips and Bike Safety
• IMBA: The Economic and Social Benefits of Off-Road Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

To provide Feedback, Suggestions, or Comments for this page contact Gabe Rousseau at gabriel.rousseau@dot.gov.