Beyond the Commute: Cycling for Wellness

This article is part of a new series “What are we waiting for?” where we address things we can all do today to improve our well-being and help protect the environment. 

BY Mira Molthen

Transportation is the largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US. Given the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change, finding ways to reduce emissions from the transportation sector could go a long way toward reducing the threat from greenhouse gases. Active transportation, such as biking, walking, or using a wheelchair, is a great way to help mitigate transportation emissions. In the US, 52% of all trips are under three miles. Taking even some of these trips via active transportation has the potential of  numerous benefits for the environment and our health. In midwestern cities, taking 50% of trips under 5 miles via bike has the potential to yield savings of $3.8 billion/year from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs. 

Active transportation covers a wide range of transportation methods, including actions such as walking to a bus stop or casually biking around a park for exercise. Active transportation also offers significant health benefits, including reducing one's risk for cardiovascular disease or improving mental health, benefits that are sometimes overridden in the aim of transportation efficiency. Biking is one option that can provide numerous benefits, and is more flexible and efficient compared to walking. Below are some benefits that can be felt immediately when choosing to cycle: 

Biking offers a comprehensive sensory experience for the whole body. 

“When you’re on a bicycle, you see the world differently than if you’re looking through a windshield.” - Anthony Desnick, Cycling Without Age

The sensory experience of biking entails different psychological benefits. Mental health researchers report these benefits stem from a combination of exercise-induced alertness with increased sensory input from the environment. This alertness, in turn, reduces excessive thinking. Cyclists experience a state of relaxed observation and appreciation of their surroundings. Whether biking casually or commuting, individuals can still enjoy the mental health benefits that come from its rich experience


Biking supports community engagement and social interaction. 

Outride, an organization that empowers all people to experience the benefits of cycling, states: 

“Bicycles have the power to make lives better–they bring people and communities together, motivate us to become better humans, and help us take advantage of what the world has to offer.” 

The environmental, physical, and mental benefits of active transport should be considered when determining its value as a method of transportation, not just its efficacy. What are we waiting for? The next time you have a short-distance trip, consider taking your bike! 

We acknowledge that not everyone has the opportunity to bike or walk due to financial barriers, geographic limitations, weather, safety concerns, or other factors. If this is the case for you, there are other ways to get involved in advocating for better transportation options in your area. Busing, or other methods of public transportation, is another way to reduce emissions. Some buses even have bike racks, allowing you to incorporate a variety of transportation methods into your routine. Check out People for Bikes for ways to advocate for biking. If you live in Wisconsin, the Bike Federation and Bikes for Kids are local organizations where you can get involved. There’s also a Wisconsin program that provides free helmets for kids. 

Need more inspiration? Check out these resources to learn about the benefits of biking and active transportation:

Caitlin Warlick-Short