Comparison and/or contrast - Essay Example

Commuting is now a routine way of life, with homes and workplaces situated miles apart. In this context, the automobile has become the universally preferred mode of transport. A car is no longer considered a luxury but an indispensable essential. As road accidents and space constraints increase exponentially, the time has come to take stock of the damage caused by driving. In comparison to driving, biking stands out as a good alternative with its matchless benefits. Biking is more cost effective, has greater health benefits and is more environment friendly than driving.

Biking makes a substantial contribution to the economy, in comparison to driving. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that the average annual operating cost of a bicycle is $308 — versus $ 8,220 for the average car. This is particularly relevant in the light of the fact that the average American household spends sixteen times more on transport than on food or healthcare. In addition, by biking instead of driving on just one day in a week, bicyclists in the United States would save nearly 2 billion gallons of gas, making it an incredible fuel savings of $7.

3 billion a year, based on $4 a gallon for gas (Mohn, Forbes). The ‘bike share programs’ which are being introduced in major US cities charge annual fess which are lower than that of monthly subway charges. Studies show that bikers are less likely to be absent from work than drivers. This could potentially save employers millions in lost production due to absenteeism. The Federal Government gives bikers a $20 per month tax-free reimbursement for bike-related expenses. Biking boosts the economy through lowered transportation costs, security, branding/tourism, traffic infrastructure and public health (Woodruff, Business Insider).

In addition to financial gains, biking has more health benefits than driving. Driving confers absolutely no health benefits. In an age of largely sedentary lifestyles, driving is another incentive to remain physically inactive. In comparison, according to the Cleveland Clinic, cycling is one of the best forms of aerobic exercise. A Dutch study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal Epidemiology calculates that cycle-commuting offers 11 times the benefits of driving a car. By changing to biking, an individual “may add as much as 14 months” to his life.

Additional health benefits of biking include lower risks of traffic accidents and less exposure to toxic automobile exhaust (Roizman, Livestrong.com). Biking has significant cardiovascular benefits. As a low-impact exercise, biking is easy on the joints and does not cause the bodily wear and tear which results from the use of most strenuous gym machines.  On average, bicycle commuters lose 13 pounds in their first year of cycling alone (Woodruff, Business Insider). Many people fail to incorporate an exercise regimen into their daily routine because of lack of time and motivation.

Biking instead of driving makes exercise an integral part of the workday and serves the dual purpose of commuting and exercising at the same time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone! Unlike driving, biking is not only good for the health of the body, it is also good for the health of the environment. Driving is one of the major sources of pollution. According to the