Five Great Reasons to “Drive Less, Bike More”

There are so, so many reasons to park your car and jump on your bike for your next trip, and we’ve put together a list of five reasons to “Drive Less, Bike More.” By turning short trips normally taken by car into bike rides, you can make those miles count towards our 2 million-mile mission. If you already consider yourself a “Drive Less, Bike More” ambassador, share this list with a friend! And don’t forget to sign up by visiting drivelessbikemore.com.

1. It’s fun!

You can’t beat the feeling of joy and adventure that comes with riding a bike. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a new rider — there’s always something new and exciting to try. Different speeds, different routes and different views can be found on every ride. That’s why biking is a great stress reducer and releases tons of mood-boosting endorphins! Plus, when you encourage your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to join you, you get to share that feeling with others.

Did you know? Riding a bike makes you 88% more likely to smile throughout your day. (okay, we may have made that up but how could it not be true!) An actual survey conducted by Cycleplan did find that 75% of cyclists noticed an improvement in their mental health after getting on the saddle. 

2. It’s good for the environment.

The world is in a climate crisis and the solution lies in reducing our carbon footprint. Why not start with something millions of people already love to do and simply ask them to do it more? When you “Drive Less, Bike More” you don’t have to give something up to cut your carbon footprint. In fact, you’re doing more of the thing you love for the planet and developing one of the greenest habits of all — biking! 

Did you know? When over 30,000 people rode more than 1 million miles for transportation during the 2021 “Drive Less, Bike More” challenge we reduced CO2 emissions by 291,430kgs. That amount of CO2 is equivalent to 63 cars being driven for one year!

3. It’s good for your health.

Taking your next trip to the store or to meet up with friends by bike is an easy way to add a little more physical activity to your day. Studies show that people who spend more time biking and walking fare better in getting their recommended amount of aerobic physical activity. Plus, more fresh air right? Choose to take your bike out for a spin. Your step counter (and lungs) will thank you later!

Did you know? The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults should do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity or at least 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity for substantial health benefits. Since short trips are usually less than 3 miles, which equals about a 20-minute bike ride, if you were to take four bike trips for transportation a week you’d reach your weekly physical fitness goal without stepping foot in a gym. 

4. It’s good for your pockets.

The great thing about going places on a bike is that every time you swap out your car keys for the handlebars, a little less money goes into your gas tank and a little more goes back into your pockets. The savings happen in more ways than one. People who bike more are also often engaged in a healthy lifestyle, thereby saving money on health care costs. Also, by saving on transportation and car ownership costs as well, people who “Drive Less, Bike More” can in turn spend more money at their destination, like a local business, instead of spending more money on getting to their destination. 

Read our “Bicycling Benefits Business” report 

Did you know? At current gas prices, a daily commute to work would save the average American $981.30 per year in gas. 

5. It’s the route to building more Bicycle Friendly Communities.

For many, choosing to travel by bicycle is a viable, and often a smart, choice of transportation. Unfortunately, living and working in a place where appropriate bicycle infrastructure and connected bike networks make choosing to bike a safe and easy option isn’t the reality for all Americans. 

This campaign puts into action our belief that life is better for everyone when more people are on bikes. When more people ride in an area, there’s a “safety in numbers” effect and it increases the demand for investments in a better-built environment. “Drive Less, Bike More” and help the League in our fight to make all communities bikePossible.

Did you know? The League recently updated our Bicycle Friendly Community program application to reflect the growing resources available for communities to improve the safety and connection of their bicycle infrastructure and networks.

Start logging your miles towards our 2 million-mile goal now!