Packaging Is Just The Beginning. We Can Do More. So We Do.
Using environmentally responsible packaging is a very important step toward minimizing Bontrager's overall environmental impact, and it's something we're very proud of. But on some level, it's a no-brainer. Which got us thinking: what can we do to take things to the next level? How can we have an even bigger impact?
Then it hit us. All of our efforts in this realm are noble and worthy, yet they pale in comparison to the impact we could have if we simply got more people to ride bikes more often.
Use bikes for transportation, not just recreation.
A sizeable portion of the world already does, yet in the United States, our home market, less than 1% of all trips are taken by bike. With 40% of all trips covering distances of less than two miles, the opportunities to effect a much greater impact on the health of the planet is staggering.
More bikes. Fewer cars. Less CO2. It's a formula that holds great promise for reducing the United States' overall carbon footprint.
So what are the barriers to riding more? What could we do to make a difference? Time is a factor. Weather is too. Carrying capacity has some limitations. But the real overriding factor is infrastructure. People will ride more if they have safe, accessible routes.
That's why we're proud to be a supporting member of 1 World 2 Wheels, an advocacy initiative whose simple goal is to get more people to "Go By Bike," especially for trips of two miles or less. As part of its mission, 1 World 2 Wheels is not only helping to raise awareness for cycling-related issues, it's also pledging over $1.6 million to help make the world a more bicycle-friendly place. One of the ways it's doing that is by underwriting a three-year, $1 million commitment to the League of American Cyclists' Bicycle Friendly Community program, which recognizes, supports, and awards municipalities that actively support bicycling. Another way it's helping to get more people on bikes more often is by helping to fund the International Mountain Bicycling Association's (IMBA's) Trail Solutions Services program, which offers trail design, construction, assessment, and education.
1 World 2 Wheels is also thinking big, working toward its long-term goal of increasing the number of trips taken by bike in the U.S. from the current less than 1% to 5% by 2017. Achieving that goal would represent a truly meaningful reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Finally, and most powerfully, 1 World 2 Wheels has partnered with a vast network of independent bicycle dealers (including Bontrager dealers) to create an army of advocates empowered to make a difference on the local, state, and national levels. Together, an army can do great things.
Won't you join us in supporting 1 World 2 Wheels? Visit 1 World 2 Wheels today to find out how you can help make the world a more bicycle-friendly place.
