COVID-19 seems to have created a new golden age for bikes, which carry with them environmental, health and economic benefits. Due to the need for a more hygienic and individual ways of transport, many people began to think of the bike as a great alternative to cars, buses, trains and subways.
For example, in the United States, England and Germany, bike shops reported an increase in their sales up to 700%, compared to the previous year, and statistics show that this trend goes throughout the world.
That is why we want to take advantage of this moment to talk about sustainable bikes and give them the attention they deserve.
Cycling and health
Riding a bike is an activity that contributes to our health since it represents an exercise that improves physical condition, strengthens the heart, the immune system, the respiratory system, the metabolism and helps with constipation.
In addition, it helps mental and emotional balance, not only because of the calm that good physical health generates, but also because the use of the bike reduces noise pollution considerably. This generates healthy environments that reduce the levels of stress caused by cars.
The environment will thank you
One of the environmental benefits of cycling is the decarbonisation of urban transport. For every kilometer traveled by bike instead of using a car, the emission of approximately 300 grams of CO2 is avoided.
In this sense, it also happens that by reducing the use of cars, pollution by carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and sulfur decrease too. This makes photosynthesis less limited and plants can absorb a greater amount of carbon dioxide and therefore give a greater release of oxygen, purifying the air.
In addition, the oil and fuel remainder left by the cars get into the water sources polluting them. And, in relation to energy expenditure, according to statistics compiled by the Australian Cycling Federation, a $ 30,000 car represents an energy volume of 132 mwh per hour and more than a million liters of water, while a high range bike, requires between 50 and 55 times less energy and requires 20 thousand liters of water.
That is why we would like to reflect about the implication of our personal decisions in environmental political decisions. For example, in recent years, many countries have eliminated gasoline subsidies, redirecting that money to sustainable projects. It’s clear that we’re facing the opportunity to create and promote a system of infrastructure and ecological mobility, with the bike as the tool of this change.
Sustainable bikes, with design and style
Bikes are one of the means of transport that require the least materials for their manufacture. In any case, if you ride the bike for environmental reasons, you’ll be interested to know that on our marketplace we have a section especially made for sustainable bikes.
The Allegro sustainable bike from Kardam makes you fall in love at first sight. Its elegant design, with vintage touches, expresses the patience, sensitivity and precision of experienced craftsmen, in a unique and exquisite way. It’s made with woods from certified sustainable forests and the latest generation and highest quality components. Plus, it’s a customizable design! You can choose between the different elements and woods available, such as maple, redwood, walnut, mongoy and oak.
The Belgian firm Ecce Cycles redefined the concept of the bike by creating its Opus collection, sustainable bikes that dazzle with their innovative design and sophisticated elegance. One of these sustainable bikes is the Opus Sport, a refined sculpture with a streamlined all-black look, a glossy paint finish and matte accessories. It’s made of carbon fiber and steel, and designed both to show off in urban environments, as well as on the most demanding winding roads. A design that will undoubtedly attract all the eyes of whoever crosses its path.
The other sustainable bike in its collection is the Opus Wood, the same design as the Sport edition but with the difference that it’s made of ash, maple and cherry wood. These types of wood are used in the construction of boats, they’re aesthetic, resistant and rigid. An artistic and attractive design that honors the skills of the artisan and that has come to the world to walk the health-environment-transport fusion with style.
Remember also that, at the end of the life cycle of your bike, you must take into account the correct disposal of it in the most sustainable way possible. Think about how you can give it a second life in some way, for example through upcycling, or giving it to producers who can use it as raw material for new products.
