Aa mentioned in my previous post... I'm quite anxious about the (man made) climate crisis.
Last month, for the first time since we moved to Italy, Sabi and I had commitments in different places. Leonardo and I in one summer camp and Lucia with Sabi in another.
I decided early that Leonardo and I would take the bike ever day (10km up and over the mini mountain) while Sabi and Lucia could take the electric car (11km up and over a different micro mountain).
Over the course of 4 weeks, I cycled every day, except 2, where the amount of stuff I had to carry was unfeasible, even in the cargo bike.
A daily commute of 20km (return) is not a huge deal, unless you are carrying a 5 year old and often a bunch of logs / cast iron pots / chainsaw / forest school equipment. Then it becomes considerably more challenging.
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If you follow my socials, you'll know we invested in the Cube cargo bike last October, not a small investment, but one that is quickly proving it's worth especially against petrol cars.
The above graphic compares e-bikes with petrol and electric cars. I have included electric because Sabi used an electric all month and it is the direction government's of the world are pushing towards.
To me, e-bikes are the clear winners. Financially I saved over £100/euro over the course of the month compared to petrol and £25 against the electric car (though I should add, during summer months, charging with solar is possible in Italy and you can run the car for free - bike too, obviously).
Environmental benefits are of course the best on a bike. What little electricity is needed to charge pales when compared to electric cars or petrol, wet also have zero emissions.
Health benefits of cycling is obvious, no longer sitting stationary in a car, but getting the blood pumping and enjoying the sights and sounds of the world around us.
In my area, a car is quicker because the roads are quiet. In a city, it's plausible a bike would push a car on that.
Of course....I haven't spoken about weather, but with the right clothing there is no weather (barring perhaps a lightning storm) where we can't cycle.
Basically, unless you physically can't switch out the car for a bike, you'd be foolish not to make the change. If your commute requires cycling the bike on a train, so be it. If you have three kids, they'll fit a cargo bike. There's really no excuses anymore.
Photo taken from winter months where it was colder in the early mornings. As you can see.... My kids love it. I have a rain/wind cover now that completely protects them and cargo from the elements.
If you have questions or want information, to feel free to send me any messages!
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