Posted On: 2022-03-10 14:56:26
The majority of us learn to ride bicycles as children. We are terrified at first, and we require supportive wheels, a reliable person to assist us at all times, to balance, paddle, and a lot more. But once we learn how to ride, every time our hands grip a bicycle handle or our feet brush against the paddles, our bodies respond instinctively and we glide along.
But did you know? This joyous activity from our childhood of riding bicycles can boost a nation's economy?
A study says that cycling to work can lead to benefits of Rs. 1.8 trillion, which is 1.6 per cent of India's GDP for the year 2015-16.
WHAT?? WOW!! BUT HOW?
A lot of questions cross our minds when thinking about the above statement. Let us say any person that cycles their way to work for five days a week. This individual does not take public transport or have any private vehicle. The cyclist does not use any other modes of transport. In 2018 news related to cyclists broke, stating that cycling is bad for the economy. The cyclist is a disaster for the country's economy as they do not buy a car, it’s insurance, sends for services, and so on. Hence, it contributes nothing to the country's GDP. With appropriate studies, the news was revealed to be untrue.
Looking at this scenario, how are the cyclists helping the economy?
On the contrary, a new fast food restaurant will likely result in a large number of job openings. People will eat this food, and they will eventually need doctors, personal trainers, supplements, medications, and whatever else is needed to reduce the negative effects of eating fast food regularly.
The travel characteristics of India show that 18 percent use two-wheelers, 16 percent use the bus, and 4 percent use four-wheelers as modes of transport for work. These vehicles contribute to increased global warming by emitting chemicals such as carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide emission is also one of the major reasons for ozone layer depletion. Apart from this, the fuel prices rise as demand rises, manufacturing materials and costs increase.
Apart from having a good effect on health, a bicycle is a benefactor for a nation's economy.
The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) study claims that, if bicycle substitutes two-wheelers and four-wheelers for short-distance trips, it can result in an annual benefit of INR 1.8 trillion, equivalent to 1.6 percent of India's annual GDP.
If 50 percent of trips occur on a bicycle, it can improve air quality with estimated savings of INR 241 billion.
According to the study, regular cycling saves Rs 2,700 crore in personal fuel, Rs 11,200 crore in travel time, Rs 24,100 crore in health benefits due to reduced air pollution. That is a mega saver!
Cycling can minimize noise pollution, improve road safety, and give recreational benefits to riders if it is used to replace motorized private transportation on a large scale.
An individual can save an average of 26 man hours per year by substituting bicycle excursions for 75% of their travel.
Rs. 1.4 lakh crore in health benefits will be gained due to increased physical activity, totaling Rs 1.78 lakh crore in savings for the country.
A shift to increased cycling could cut energy use and carbon dioxide emissions from urban transportation by up to 10 percent by 2050 on global levels.
Aren't the facts oh so surprising?! Switching from two and four-wheelers to bicycles have too many benefits to overlook adapting it. But…
A solid infrastructure is required to adapt to a larger change such as replacing nearly half of all motorized vehicle journeys with bicycles.
A lack of good cycling infrastructure in India can prevent citizens from switching to this eco-friendly mode of transport. India's current roads and routes, which are not helping to bicycle culture, provide a significant barrier.
Although the country has national policies to facilitate non-motorized transport (NMT), no Indian city has enough NMT infrastructure to support safe cycling. A few important steps like improving institutional capacity, relocating funds for infrastructure, increasing cyclist protections and a democratic demand for it can surely make a difference
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Something as simple as cycling can boost a national economy to a great extent. Non-motorized vehicles cost multiple things-right from an individual's money, a nation's amount in crores, to damage to the earth's atmosphere. Now that we know that starting a cycling revolution can help our nation economically and the environment with its sustainability;
Let us spread the word, and make the switch. Good infrastructure and a will to help our nation can make a difference.
Author: Anjali Patel
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