Posted July 08, 2019 in Articles
Author: Micah Toll
New UK study shows e-bikes beat electric cars
A new study released by the Center for Research into Energy Demand Solutions (CREDS) in the UK has found that electric carsaren’t actually the best transportation option when it comes to urban traffic or environmental impact.
The study found that over time, electric cars will likely increase the number of cars on the road due to their lower cost to operate than gas vehicles. This will result in further congestion in cities, an increase in urban sprawl and potentially negative societal health impacts in the form of obesity.
The CREDS study found that active forms of transportation, such as electric bicycles, were better solutions for reducing traffic and alleviating health concerns related to sedentary lifestyles that are increasingly common in urban residents, according to Forbes.
According to the report:
“Relying mainly on electrification of vehicles to reach carbon targets can have the consequence of increasing traffic congestion because of the lower cost and lower taxation of electric fuel. Everyday travel should be shifted to the most sustainable modes. Priority on roads should be given to walking, cycling (including e-bikes and e-scooters) and public transport.”
Studies have long determined that cars are far from the most efficient forms of urban transportation. While electric cars are certainly an environmental improvement over gas-powered vehicles, they don’t address the issue of congestion and inactivity. The CREDS study, which was undertaken with the combined effort of 13 different academic institutions in the UK, even makes the argument that electric cars will eventually lead to an increase in both.
Electrek’s Take
While the study ultimately arrives at a bit of an extreme conclusion, it is hard to refute the underlying logic. As electric cars become cheaper to purchase, their numerous benefits will make them even more enticing options. Electric cars offer a number of advantages and are quickly winning over drivers. And as more people flock towards cities than ever before, more drivers are crowding urban roads.
Road space in cities is largely finite, and thus an increase in the number of cars on the road will result in an increase in congestion. More traffic equals longer waits for everyone. And longer waits equal more inactivity.
Electric bicycles and scooters have the ability to make even more positive changes and counteract pretty much all of these negative consequences. E-bikes and scooters are affordable now. They are more efficient to operate. They reduce congestion. They reduce commute times. They increase physical activity. And they are simply fun.
That’s not to say electric cars are bad. Of course electric cars are a major improvement compared to the majority of cars on the road today. But e-bikes are simply a step further in so many ways.
Sure, I’m pretty biased when it comes to e-bikes. They are kind of my thing. I even proposed creating a nationwide class of fast e-bikes up to 45 mph (72 km/h). But you can’t deny the numerous benefits that e-bikes and scooters offer. There’s a reason Europeans are slimmer, healthier, happier and less overworked than Americans. I’m not saying it’s all because they cycle more. But it certainly doesn’t hurt.
With prices for electric bicycles quickly dropping into the ultra-affordable range, perhaps it is time to consider picking up a bike and performing some of your car trips on two wheels instead of four. Headed to the coffee shop? Ride there. Meeting friends for dinner? Scoot there. Doing some light shopping? Put on a backpack and walk.
Humans were built to transport themselves, and technology such as e-bikes have helped us make active transportation more fun and effective. Let’s not lose that by enclosing ourselves in rolling cages any more than necessary.
Original Article: https://electrek.co/2019/07/08/study-electric-bicycles-better-than-electric-cars/
Follow us on Instagram
@ugocircle
Functional streetlights are critical to pedestrian safety. If you’ve noticed a streetlight outage in University Circle, let us know u...
Functional streetlights are critical to pedestrian safety. If you’ve noticed a streetlight outage in University Circle, let us know using our report form: universitycircle.org/report-streetlight-outages
Functional streetlights are critical to pedestrian safety. If you’ve noticed a streetlight outage in University Circle, let us know using our report form: universitycircle.org/report-streetlight-outages
Monday, August 8 2022 | 10:00am
@ugocircle
Tuesday, July 19 2022 | 10:07am
@ugocircle
Take advantage of the warm weather and plan your next trip to University Circle by bike! Check out our bike rack map to find a secure b...
Take advantage of the warm weather and plan your next trip to University Circle by bike! Check out our bike rack map to find a secure bike parking location near your destination: ugointhecircle.com/bikeracks
Take advantage of the warm weather and plan your next trip to University Circle by bike! Check out our bike rack map to find a secure bike parking location near your destination: ugointhecircle.com/bikeracks
Friday, July 15 2022 | 12:00pm
@ugocircle
As part of @universitycircle's Project Yield initiative, close call reporting is a key part of understanding road safety at the neighbo...
As part of @universitycircle's Project Yield initiative, close call reporting is a key part of understanding road safety at the neighborhood level. If you experience or witness a “close call” incident, please let us know by reporting it here: universitycircle.org/project-yield
As part of @universitycircle's Project Yield initiative, close call reporting is a key part of understanding road safety at the neighborhood level. If you experience or witness a “close call” incident, please let us know by reporting it here: universitycircle.org/project-yield
Tuesday, June 28 2022 | 12:00pm
@ugocircle
If you notice debris or other hazards in a bike lane, you can report it. Call the @cityofcleveland 3-1-1 line to report it on weekdays ...
If you notice debris or other hazards in a bike lane, you can report it. Call the @cityofcleveland 3-1-1 line to report it on weekdays during business hours.
If you notice debris or other hazards in a bike lane, you can report it. Call the @cityofcleveland 3-1-1 line to report it on weekdays during business hours.
Tuesday, June 14 2022 | 9:05am
@ugocircle
Attending #SummerArtsFest this Saturday? Consider biking! @ohiocitycycles will have a bike parking corral at Wade Oval across the stree...
Attending #SummerArtsFest this Saturday? Consider biking! @ohiocitycycles will have a bike parking corral at Wade Oval across the street from the Cleveland Museum of Art. See event information and our suggested bike routes for getting there: https://t.co/WUCvon8AGi
Attending #SummerArtsFest this Saturday? Consider biking! @ohiocitycycles will have a bike parking corral at Wade Oval across the street from the Cleveland Museum of Art. See event information and our suggested bike routes for getting there: https://t.co/WUCvon8AGi
Thursday, June 9 2022 | 11:07am
@ugocircle
Keep up to date with road closures, construction, bus route changes, and more with our transportation alerts. Sign up for this essentia...
Keep up to date with road closures, construction, bus route changes, and more with our transportation alerts. Sign up for this essential feature at ugointhecircle.com/alerts
Keep up to date with road closures, construction, bus route changes, and more with our transportation alerts. Sign up for this essential feature at ugointhecircle.com/alerts
Tuesday, June 7 2022 | 4:01pm
@ugocircle
This Friday is World Bicycle Day! Consider biking to work and/or take advantage of more than 5 miles of dedicated bike lanes and off-ro...
This Friday is World Bicycle Day! Consider biking to work and/or take advantage of more than 5 miles of dedicated bike lanes and off-road paths that go through University Circle. Find our biking routes and resources here: ugointhecircle.com/transportation-options/biking . . . #uGointhecircle #InThe...
This Friday is World Bicycle Day! Consider biking to work and/or take advantage of more than 5 miles of dedicated bike lanes and off-road paths that go through University Circle. Find our biking routes and resources here: ugointhecircle.com/transportation-options/biking . . . #uGointhecircle #InTheCircle #UniversityCircle #uGObybike #bikecleveland #clevelandbikes #WorldBicycleDay
Wednesday, June 1 2022 | 11:03am
@ugocircle
Insta, meet Sue! Sue is a student @CWRU and commutes from downtown. She thinks finding parking on campus is stressful. "I take the Heal...
Insta, meet Sue! Sue is a student @CWRU and commutes from downtown. She thinks finding parking on campus is stressful. "I take the HealthLine because it's faster and I'm saving money on gas. I'm a big fan of public transit." #uGOinthecircle #commuterstory #UniversityCircle #iGoRTA #AlternativeTrans...
Insta, meet Sue! Sue is a student @CWRU and commutes from downtown. She thinks finding parking on campus is stressful. "I take the HealthLine because it's faster and I'm saving money on gas. I'm a big fan of public transit." #uGOinthecircle #commuterstory #UniversityCircle #iGoRTA #AlternativeTransportation #CLE #NEOhio #NortheastOhio #PublicTransportation #Transit #rideRTA #testimonial
Friday, January 21 2022 | 9:45am
@ugocircle
Insta, meet Maria! Maria works at the Cleveland Clinic, lives in South Euclid, and has taken the bus to work for the last 48 years. "I ...
Insta, meet Maria! Maria works at the Cleveland Clinic, lives in South Euclid, and has taken the bus to work for the last 48 years. "I don’t like driving, the bus is much easier, especially in the winter since you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding." Ride on, Maria! #uGOinthecircl...
Insta, meet Maria! Maria works at the Cleveland Clinic, lives in South Euclid, and has taken the bus to work for the last 48 years. "I don’t like driving, the bus is much easier, especially in the winter since you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding." Ride on, Maria! #uGOinthecircle #commuterstory #UniversityCircle #iGoRTA #AlternativeTransportation #CLE #NEOhio #NortheastOhio #PublicTransportation #Transit #rideRTA #testimonial
Friday, January 7 2022 | 9:45am
@ugocircle
In honor of national trivia day 🧐 ...and step counters everywhere! #NationalTriviaDay #PublicTransit #Shuttles #TDM #sustainabletr...
In honor of national trivia day 🧐 ...and step counters everywhere! #NationalTriviaDay #PublicTransit #Shuttles #TDM #sustainabletransportation #urbanmobility #healthyliving #newyearsresolutions
In honor of national trivia day 🧐 ...and step counters everywhere! #NationalTriviaDay #PublicTransit #Shuttles #TDM #sustainabletransportation #urbanmobility #healthyliving #newyearsresolutions
Tuesday, January 4 2022 | 10:45am
@ugocircle
All the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022!
All the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022!
All the best for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2022!
Saturday, January 1 2022 | 9:00am
@ugocircle
Wednesday, December 15 2021 | 11:38am
@ugocircle
Biking reduces stress as well as the risks of heart disease and stroke. Find biking routes and resources to help you get out on two whe...
Biking reduces stress as well as the risks of heart disease and stroke. Find biking routes and resources to help you get out on two wheels!
Biking reduces stress as well as the risks of heart disease and stroke. Find biking routes and resources to help you get out on two wheels!
Sunday, October 10 2021 | 6:00pm
@ugocircle
Another day, another demo! Thanks to everyone who came out to get a free helmet and test ride courtesy of @ridespin. Come back out on...
Another day, another demo! Thanks to everyone who came out to get a free helmet and test ride courtesy of @ridespin. Come back out on Monday 9/11 at 6:30 to join @slowrollcleveland for a social ride through the neighborhood. #sharedmobility #safety #bikesafety #scooters #urbanmobility #bikecleve...
Another day, another demo! Thanks to everyone who came out to get a free helmet and test ride courtesy of @ridespin. Come back out on Monday 9/11 at 6:30 to join @slowrollcleveland for a social ride through the neighborhood. #sharedmobility #safety #bikesafety #scooters #urbanmobility #bikecleveland
Friday, October 8 2021 | 5:21pm
@ugocircle
Thursday, September 30 2021 | 2:54pm
@ugocircle
Get spooky next month and mix up your driving commute! The “Lake Eerie” Challenge starts October 1. Register at gohiocommute.com, t...
Get spooky next month and mix up your driving commute! The “Lake Eerie” Challenge starts October 1. Register at gohiocommute.com, then bike, walk, bus, carpool or telecommute in the month of October, log your trips, and win great prizes.
Get spooky next month and mix up your driving commute! The “Lake Eerie” Challenge starts October 1. Register at gohiocommute.com, then bike, walk, bus, carpool or telecommute in the month of October, log your trips, and win great prizes.
Tuesday, September 28 2021 | 2:37pm
@ugocircle
85.5% of employees in University Circle get to work by driving alone. Check out our employer incentives page to see if your employer of...
85.5% of employees in University Circle get to work by driving alone. Check out our employer incentives page to see if your employer offers benefits for sustainable transit. https://www.ugointhecircle.com/benefits/employer-incentives
85.5% of employees in University Circle get to work by driving alone. Check out our employer incentives page to see if your employer offers benefits for sustainable transit. https://www.ugointhecircle.com/benefits/employer-incentives
Sunday, September 19 2021 | 6:15pm
@ugocircle
Navigating the Circle from out of town, or the nearby suburbs can be tough! Use our trip planner to get the best directions for you. Wh...
Navigating the Circle from out of town, or the nearby suburbs can be tough! Use our trip planner to get the best directions for you. Whether you're biking, walking, carpooling, or driving we can help. #LinkInBio
Navigating the Circle from out of town, or the nearby suburbs can be tough! Use our trip planner to get the best directions for you. Whether you're biking, walking, carpooling, or driving we can help. #LinkInBio
Saturday, September 11 2021 | 12:55pm
@ugocircle
One last chance to ‘Dine & Dash’ with us! Wednesday, August 25 at noon we’re talking shared e-scooters with representatives from...
One last chance to ‘Dine & Dash’ with us! Wednesday, August 25 at noon we’re talking shared e-scooters with representatives from the @cityofcleveland and @ridespin. Don’t wait to register! #sustainabletransportation #TDM #scooters #sharedmobility #universitycircle #uGO #DineandDash
One last chance to ‘Dine & Dash’ with us! Wednesday, August 25 at noon we’re talking shared e-scooters with representatives from the @cityofcleveland and @ridespin. Don’t wait to register! #sustainabletransportation #TDM #scooters #sharedmobility #universitycircle #uGO #DineandDash
Thursday, August 12 2021 | 11:13am
@ugocircle
The average commuter to University Circle spends 9 days per year commuting. Join our Dine & Dash on ridematching for tips on revamping ...
The average commuter to University Circle spends 9 days per year commuting. Join our Dine & Dash on ridematching for tips on revamping your commute! #sustainabletransportation #greencommute #carpool #ridematching #TDM
The average commuter to University Circle spends 9 days per year commuting. Join our Dine & Dash on ridematching for tips on revamping your commute! #sustainabletransportation #greencommute #carpool #ridematching #TDM
Wednesday, July 28 2021 | 10:26am
@ugocircle
Tuesday, June 22 2021 | 9:05am
@ugocircle
At the next Dine & Dash virtual info session on sustainable transportation, we’re talking with community advocate and certified cycli...
At the next Dine & Dash virtual info session on sustainable transportation, we’re talking with community advocate and certified cycling instructor Diana Hildebrand with @devahd cycling on tips for improving confidence on two wheels. Join us! #biking #confidentcycling #dineanddash #leagueofamerica...
At the next Dine & Dash virtual info session on sustainable transportation, we’re talking with community advocate and certified cycling instructor Diana Hildebrand with @devahd cycling on tips for improving confidence on two wheels. Join us! #biking #confidentcycling #dineanddash #leagueofamericanbicyclists #LCI #sustainabletransportation #urbanmobility
Monday, June 14 2021 | 2:44pm
@ugocircle
At the next Dine & Dash virtual info session on sustainable transportation, we’re talking RTA bus route changes, real time bus info a...
At the next Dine & Dash virtual info session on sustainable transportation, we’re talking RTA bus route changes, real time bus info and tips for new riders with staff from @ridertacleveland. Those who register will be entered into a raffle for a uGO to lunch ($40 value) prize pack. Join us! Regis...
At the next Dine & Dash virtual info session on sustainable transportation, we’re talking RTA bus route changes, real time bus info and tips for new riders with staff from @ridertacleveland. Those who register will be entered into a raffle for a uGO to lunch ($40 value) prize pack. Join us! Registration details are available at uGOinthecircle.com/events #publictransit #sustainabletransportation #universitycircle #commute #transit #transitcommute
Tuesday, May 4 2021 | 11:41am
@ugocircle
Learn how your commute can be greener, more productive and less expensive at our fist uGO Dine & Dash session on the topic of vanpool o...
Learn how your commute can be greener, more productive and less expensive at our fist uGO Dine & Dash session on the topic of vanpool on Thursday, April 22nd at noon! Registration details are available at: uGOinthecircle.com/events
Learn how your commute can be greener, more productive and less expensive at our fist uGO Dine & Dash session on the topic of vanpool on Thursday, April 22nd at noon! Registration details are available at: uGOinthecircle.com/events
Tuesday, April 13 2021 | 11:56am