Every mile makes a difference – here’s why they count
Many trips just aren’t possible with active travel, of course.
Friends and family often live hundreds of miles away; a work commute by bicycle could be impractical; and taking small children everywhere can be impossible.
But whatever you can do to walk, wheel or cycle more, you’ll be contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future. Here’s how it all adds up, according to Energy Saving Trust:
- Commuting by walking or cycling just once a week could save around 29kg of CO2 a year
- Every mile you travel without your petrol or diesel car saves enough CO2 to fill 10 balloons
- Reducing your car use by a quarter could save up to £202 in fuel costs and 510kg of CO2 a year
- Doing at least 150 minutes of moderately intense exercise a week lowers your risk of developing depression by 30%; cardiovascular disease by 35%; and type 2 diabetes by 40%
- Cycling for 100 miles on an ebike can cost as little as 55p in electricity, if you charge it at home
- By walking, wheeling or cycling, you’ll be reducing congestion and pollution, making local spaces quieter, healthier and more pleasant places to be
Information and estimates provided by Energy Saving Trust correct as at 11 August 2022. Movements in the price of gas and electricity since this date may have an impact on the size of Energy Saving Trust’s estimated savings.
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