Riding a bike to work saves money on fuel, parking and car wear, and adds exercise to the day. This calculator estimates how much, along with the CO₂ you avoid.
Distance per year
yearly distance = one-way distance × 2 × days per week × weeks per year
Riding 5 miles each way, 4 days a week for 46 weeks (allowing for vacations, bad weather and holidays) adds up to 1,840 miles a year.
Money saved
The car cost you avoid depends on what changes when you leave the car at home. Fuel alone is often 10 to 20 cents a mile. If biking lets you skip paid parking, tolls or even a second car, the saving per mile is much higher. The IRS standard mileage rate, about 70 cents a mile, is a rough upper bound that includes depreciation and insurance.
saving = yearly distance × car cost per mile − bike costs per year
With $0.65 a mile and $300 a year for bike maintenance, gear and lights: 1,840 × 0.65 − 300 = $896 a year. An e-bike costs more up front but makes longer or hillier commutes possible.
CO₂ avoided
A typical gasoline passenger car emits about 400 g of CO₂ per mile from its tailpipe, according to the EPA. Replacing 1,840 miles avoids about 736 kg, close to three-quarters of a metric ton, each year. A small or hybrid car emits less; a large SUV or pickup more.
Calories and time
Moderate cycling burns roughly 40 kcal per mile for an average adult, so 1,840 miles burns about 73,600 kcal a year. At 12 mph, the ride takes 25 minutes each way and about 150 hours a year. In many cities, the time is similar to driving once traffic and parking are counted.
Making it work
- Plan a route on quieter streets or bike lanes; a slightly longer route is often faster and safer.
- Use fenders, lights and a rain jacket so weather does not stop you.
- Check whether your employer has showers, secure parking or a commuter benefit.
- Start with one or two days a week and build up.
- Ask whether you could combine biking with transit for a long trip.