Here is what the Neilsen rating firm determined were the top new year resolutions for 2015.
It's that time of year again. Whether you call them resolutions, goals or plans as the year comes to an end we get focused on taking action for the new year. Let's take a look at the most popular resolutions. You'll quickly see that a cargo bike can help you achieve all of them.
This list has cargo bike written all over it!
Stay fit and healthy
Duh, you are riding a bicycle. If you replace a modest 25% of your car trips with a bike ride you are going to be in better health over the course of the year. By the way, it is estimated that over 60% of car trips could be replaced with a bicycle.
Loose Weight
The Dutch word bakfiets means box bike. Loading the box with groceries, laundry, kids and more will make each pedal of the crank count for more calorie burning. Biking as a form of transportation will help you be more in tune with the type and quality of food you fuel yourself with.
Boom weight loss!
Enjoy Life to the Fullest
A full life is about great relationships and energy. Getting out of the car for routine errands and trips is an automatic energizer. Riding a bike around town makes you more aware of your environment. You are more likely to spontaneously stop and check out a new store or event in the neighborhood when parking spaces and fees are not an issue. Overall, traveling through your community at the speed of bike makes you more connected to it.
Spend Less and Save More
Here is the rough math. According to AAA the average cost of operating a car in 2016 is $8,558 in based on 15,000 miles per year. If you bumped your cycling up to replace 50% of your car trips there is a savings of $4,279. Pay $2,000 for a reasonable outfitted longtail and there is $2,279 in year one savings for you!
Year two gets even better. Take good care of your ride and you can count on that savings for twenty years or more.
Spend More Time with Family and Friends
You're already spending time with your kids while schlepping them around in the car. So what's the big deal about doing it by cargo bike you say? The quality of that time is a huge plus for cycling here. Trust me, this is way more fun for everyone. Kids love the unobstructed view from the seat of a longjohn. Talking about what we are seeing together is a delight. There's no fussing over buckling into car seats either. Upon arrival, lock up and leap out. The front door to the grocery store was a few easy steps away. Our lunch date was a success!
Get Organized
Traveling by bike in some ways is not as easy as hopping in the car. At least not for unorganized procrastinators (post author included at times). You do have to think a bit more about your route to stay stress free and efficient. Considering the gear you will need for the kids and destination will cut down on lugging unnecessary weight. A plus is that if you plan for the previously mentioned factors you may win on time compared to a car. This is particularly true for trips across town.
So there you have it. A cargo bike that can haul 80% of what your car or SUV can for 95% of your typical trips. This makes it the Swiss Army Knife of new year resolutions!