Car vs. Bike Calculator
Compare the environmental, financial, and health benefits of cycling vs. driving
Commute Details
Most people commute 5 times per week (Monday-Friday)
Average urban cycling speed is 16 km/h
Your Car Details
Urban driving is typically less fuel-efficient than highway driving
Include insurance, maintenance, parking, etc. if you'd eliminate these costs by going car-free
Benefits of Choosing Bike over Car
⏱️ Time Comparison
🚗 Driving is 18 minutes faster, but biking provides other benefits!
Your Car's Current Emissions
Why Cycle?
Every minute cycling = 1 minute extra life expectancy
Zero direct emissions during use
Bikes run on fat and save you money
Reduce stress and improve mental health
Avoid traffic jams and parking hassles
Getting Started Tips
Start with 1-2 days per week
Plan a safe route with bike lanes
Invest in good lights and a helmet
Keep spare clothes at work
Check the weather forecast
Understanding the Benefits
🌱 Environmental Impact
Cars emit CO₂ and NOₓ that contribute to climate change and air pollution. Modern cars emit 95-200g of CO₂ per kilometer, while bikes produce zero direct emissions.
NOₓ Effects:
- • Forms acid rain when mixed with water
- • Creates ground-level ozone (smog)
- • Damages respiratory system
- • Diesel engines produce more NOₓ
💪 Health Benefits
Research shows that every minute spent cycling effectively increases your life expectancy by one minute. This remarkable finding comes from the Dutch Cycling study.
Physical Benefits:
- • Cardiovascular fitness improvement
- • Lower blood pressure
- • Reduced risk of diabetes
- • Weight management
- • Stronger leg muscles
💰 Financial Savings
Besides fuel costs, cars require insurance, maintenance, parking, and depreciation. A bike's main costs are initial purchase and minimal maintenance.
Hidden Car Costs:
- • Insurance: $800-2000/year
- • Maintenance: $500-1500/year
- • Parking: $0-5000/year
- • Depreciation: $2000-8000/year
- • Registration and taxes