- Bicycling is encouraged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve employees
Have you ever wondered how much savings you could take advantage of if you were not using your car to run short errands like going to church, buying some bread for dinner, dropping off kids to the playground? It can be a considerable amount if you do these types of tasks daily. Eco Consultants should definitely be asking customers if they have considered biking instead. Why not? Bike commuting is among the most environmental friendly ways to run errands. It is not just economical and efficient, it is also emission free.
For many, bicycles are just part of our fun childhood memories. They have stood the test of time and serve as a brilliant companion for active boys and talkative girls. But nowadays, they are considered the greenest vehicle because it is a part of sustainable lifestyle and they are eco-friendly. In addition, cycling is also good for your health. Riding a bike is a cardio respiratory exercise affecting the heart, blood vessels and lungs. It manages weight, improves muscle tone and strength, boosts energy levels, and reduces stress thus decreasing your risk for cancer, obesity and diabetes. It also improves your mood, health and wellness as a whole. It is like hitting two birds with one stone, being healthy and at the same time environmentally friendly.
Eco-friendly groups and environment advocates are encouraging employers and workers to consider cycling as an alternative means of transportation especially now that reimbursement is available in some areas via Bicycle Commuter Benefits. The Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act gives benefits to bicyclists from a provision added to Internal Revenue Code, which previously covered only commuters using mass transit and van pools. It was signed into law in October 2008 and took effect on January 1, 2009.
In the Bicycle Commuter Benefits Act, employers may reimburse bicycle commuters up to $20 per month tax free for each month a bicycle is used for transportation between the employee’s workplace and home. Spare tubes, bar tape, riding gloves, eye wear, cycling clothes, commuter bags, helmets, and cost of maintenance also qualify for reimbursements.
The provisions of the bike commuter benefit are entirely voluntary and are not being offered by some employers. However if you push the case to your employer, cite the fact that biking produces overall cost saving to them via better health in their workers, fewer sick days or increased productivity in the business as a whole you or your customers may be able to convince them to participate.
i used to ride my bike to work every day (except, i’ll admit…i skipped a few rainy and snowy days) but it was great exercise, fun, and environmentally responsible. this is one of the many things you can add to the list of simple ways to go green like: recycle, energy audits, better light bulbs etc.
I ride my road bike from 2wheelbikes.com to work all the time and I’m in the best shape of my life. I understand though because for some people the commute to work is way too long…especially in Los Angeles.