Change the World

Six Great Ways to Get Involved

  1. Ride your bike, especially for trips under two miles. Why? The emission controls on your car are not operating effectively in the first few minutes thus short trips create more pollution.
  2. Get your kids to ride. In 1964 50% of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12%…in 2004, 3% rode to school and the obesity rate was 45%. To learn more, check out www.saferoutestoschools.org.
  3. Get your friends to ride their bikes. Challenge them to find out where they can pedal within two miles of their house, then encourage them to take a bike for short trips.
  4. Contact your state bicycle advocacy group and support their efforts.
  5. Like to ride mountain bikes? Join the IMBA and support their efforts to open new trails and maintain existing trails.
  6. Keep updated on important issues and events. Sign up for 1world2wheels.org.

Why

For your health, for the world, for our future, for 2 miles or less

With the world facing skyrocketing obesity rates, escalating traffic congestion and the concerns of global climate change, the bicycle is an underutilized solution.

For your health

The average person loses 13 lbs. their first year of commuting by bike.

Just 3 hours of bicycling per week can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke by 50%.

A 140-pound cyclist burns 508 calories while pedaling 14 miles in an hour.

For the world

The U.S. could save 462 million gallons of gasoline a year by increasing cycling from 1% to 1.5% of all trips.

Each U.S. rush-hour auto commuter spends an average of 50 hours a year stuck in traffic.

In 2003, cars idling in traffic wasted 5 billion gallons of fuel.

For our future

In 1964 50% of kids rode to school and the obesity rate was 12%…in 2004, 3% rode to school and the obesity rate was 45%.

Between 1960 and today the average weight of a 6-11 year old has increased 11 pounds.

For 2 miles or less

60% of the pollution created by automobile emissions happens in the first few minutes of operation, before pollution control devices can work effectively.

24% of all trips are made within a mile of the home, 40% of all trips are made within two miles of the home, and 50% of the working population commutes five miles or less to work.

How

Here is some information on the agencies listed above. Joining or getting familiar with any of these will enlighten you to the current status of the bicycle as transportation and recreation. We need more friends like you to join the bike revolution!

1) Safe Routes to Schools: This agency is federally funded and every state has a coordinator who can work with you and your community to assure that the routes kids walk or ride to school are safe. www.Saferoutestoschools.org

2) League of American Bicyclists: Over a century old, this agency speaks on behalf of cyclists nation wide and advocates for funding to build new paths, create safe routes to schools and encourage cycling as transportation and recreation. To join, point your browser to www.bikeleague.org.

3) Bikes Belong: This bike industry supported non-profit aims to put more people on bikes more often. You can find solid statistics about cycling, research, grants and more on this dynamic agency’s website, www.bikesbelong.org.

4) IMBA: International Mountain Bike Association’s mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. If you ride a mountain bike, chances are IMBA had something to do with the trail design or building and maintenance. You’ll find info at www.imba.com.

5) Rails to Trails Conservancy: This DC based agency is responsible for the conversion of old rail beds into thousands of miles of bike trail across the country. Stewardship of the land and creating a peaceful environment to ride, walk or run, the Rails-to-Trails has contributed to the quality of life for hundreds of communities. www.railstotrails.org

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