Car Free Day 2010: Benefits of Biking to Work

Cyclists today can list endless reasons why they prefer the bicycle over a car, bus or train: a good workout, decrease on carbon footprint, faster commute, always a parking space available-- but one of the most-enticing benefits is the cost savings.

Yesterday, our project coordinator, Jacqueline McClure took a 32 mile (round trip) commuting challenge to GVF on World Car Free Day—and she said it was not only a great way to wake up before arriving to her desk, but riding to work is financially worth it.

According to Kipplinger’s online Bike Calculator, Jacqueline saved $12.93 today riding her bike instead of driving to work – with a yearly savings of up to $3362.

In addition to saving even more money, Congress last year acknowledged and added bicycle commuters to the list of those eligible for a transportation tax benefit. Just as companies today can provide tax-free reimbursement for transit passes, they can now also subsidize the cost of biking to work. The bicycle benefit is capped at $20 per month--far lower of a tax break for parking at $230 or transit at $120 per month. Companies such as Commuter Check are providing employees with paper checks that can be cashed only at bicycle shops for qualified expenses—repairs, bicycles, helmets, etc.

Car Free Day is organized in various cities throughout the world in different ways, but with the common goal of taking cars off the streets every year on September 22. The benefit to greater society is a day with less traffic congestion, a greener environment and reduced gasoline demand. Today, Car Free Day includes participation in 1,500 cities in 40 countries.

Also, GVF would also like to congratulate Greg Rosas - winner of the GVF Car Free Day raffle prize! Greg won a King of Prussia Mall American Express gift card! Thanks to Greg for biking to work on Car Free Day, and making a difference to reduce congestion and improve air quality in our region!