Let’s talk about getting around in a city like Burlington. Many of us take what can be the easiest and most obvious option by hopping in the car. But have you ever thought about what swapping that car for a bike could mean not just the planet, but potentially your wallet? Biking or walking through the city is a daily reality for many commuters. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average car emits about 400 grams of carbon dioxide per mile. Over the course of a year, that’s roughly 4.6 metric tons of CO2 for a typical vehicle driving 11,500 miles. Now, imagine replacing even a fraction of those miles with biking and the impact that could have. Some may think that an inconsequential amount but as many of us have learned, those small numbers can add up quickly.
Even a small change can make a huge difference. Let’s say you replace a 5-mile car commute with biking every day. That’s around 2,000 miles a year, saving roughly 800 kilograms of carbon emissions. Multiply that by the millions of people who could realistically bike in cities, and you’re looking at a significant dent in transportation-related emissions, which make up nearly 30% of all greenhouse gases in the U.S.
The real magic happens when cities get on board. Take Copenhagen, where over 60% of residents bike to work. The city has saved thousands of tons of CO₂ annually by making cycling the easiest and safest option. Many of the most bike-friendly cities can be found in western Europe. While it is likely that most people would think of places like Amsterdam or Copenhagen when asked about biking cities, there are other European cities finding inspiration. The changes made in cities such as Bordeaux and Bremen are more aggressive. They are taking space away from cars and converting it into lanes for biking or walking. Having separate, protected bike lanes is also significantly more appealing to potential bike commuters. The peace of mind one gets means a lot to people who commute on bike every day. This isn’t to say that some North American cities are not making the effort though. Montreal, for example, has made strides to become more bikeable by creating new bike lanes and paths. Closer to home, cities like New York and Boston are following suit, building bike lanes and promoting bike culture. The result of all these changes? Less traffic, cleaner air, 
and happier people. Better, bike-friendly infrastructure is the key to incentivising biking to a greater part of the population. I realize that downtown Burlington is not the most welcoming area to ride due to all of the hills, but other parts of the city and area are perfect for it with flatter layouts, such as the Old North End and South Burlington.
Riding bicycles is also not the only answer to reducing carbon emissions. The most obvious option, and the one more people have access to, is walking. Burlington has the advantage of being a fairly walkable city. Getting around downtown on foot is something that countless residents and tourists do every day. Church street also helps by bringing a lot of storefronts near each other which increases the viability of walking over driving.
Let’s not forget: most urban car trips are short. A UCLA article claims that they are usually under three miles. These are the least efficient for cars, guzzling gas and spiking emissions because engines aren’t warmed up. These short trips are perfect for a bike ride or stroll. It’s quicker than you’d think, and you get the added bonus of skipping traffic and parking hassles.
Another option increasing in popularity is e-bikes. Electric bicycles are a more environmentally friendly option than cars for those who care about making a difference. E-bikes are well suited for urban commutes, especially in Burlington with the assisted pedaling making riding up hills far less of a struggle.
Switching to a bike isn’t just about saving the planet; it’s about transforming our cities and our lives. Cleaner air, quieter streets, and a healthier you—it’s all part of the package. So, next time you’re about to grab your car keys for a quick trip, consider hopping on your bike instead.
About the Author: Luke is a student in his senior year at Champlain College. While originally from Massachusetts, he has spent lots of time in Vermont while growing up. To him, living in Burlington for the past four years has been an enjoyable change from living in a small town back home. Luke has been around bikes for most of his life and spends his summers getting around his hometown on his bike.