A new study by the European Cyclist’s Federation has shown just how much cycling could contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
The report says that if people from all European countries were to cycle as much as in Denmark (the most enthusiastic cycling nation on the continent), it would help the EU meet up to 25% of its carbon emission targets for the transport sector.
Even taking into account the pollution caused by the production and maintenance of bicycles, and the food eaten by cyclists to fuel their riding, emissions from cycling were less than a tenth of those produced by drivers.
According to the report, the Danes cycle an average of 2.6km per day, the highest level in Europe.
Much of this bicycle traffic is down to people cycling to work, with a huge 36% of those living in the capital, Copenhagen, travelling to the office by bike.