Bicycle and mixed-mode commuting can both be healthy and eco-friendly alternatives to your car, truck, or van. Riding your bike to work or using mixed-mode commuting (a combination of biking and public transportation) can have a significant effect on reducing the consumption of fuel, eliminating the emission of harmful greenhouse gases, and preventing the creation of air pollution. According to Southern California Edison, most ozone pollution is caused by motor vehicles, including 72% of nitrogen oxides and 52% of reactive hydrocarbons, which are the principal components of smog. Additionally, for every person that chooses bicycle commuting over vehicle commuting, there is one less car on the road to contribute to traffic congestion. A reduction in auto use also contributes to a reduction in maintenance costs, including oil changes, tune-ups, and tire replacements.

There are also many health benefits of bicycle and mixed-mode commuting methods. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), shifting from auto trips to walking and biking is the number one strategy for reducing inactivity-related illnesses.  Riding a bike even part of the way to work is a healthy alternative that can burn extra calories, combat obesity, coronary heart disease, and some forms of cancer, and contribute to muscle maintenance and growth. 

For those who are, for whatever reason, unable to make their complete commute by bicycle, the mixed-method of commuting still makes positive contributions to the health of the individual and the Earth as a whole. Most major metro transportation systems are outfitted with some type of bicycle storage and, even if they are not, perhaps a folding bicycle would be another option. Riding those first or last few miles on your bicycle may just end up giving you that extra energy to have a more productive and efficient day.