How Climate Change Could Impact Cycling

Climate Change will be one of the defining forces of the 21st century - impacting every aspect of our lives from what kind of jobs are available to our diets, homes and even our sports. But how will climate change impact our cycling?

Let's look at how global warming could impact cycling, examine how cycling could be contributing to the climate crises and look at ways that cycling could actually help.

What Will Global Warming Mean For Cycling

Let's start with the world's most famous cycle race - the Tour De France. Last year's 2020 season was hailed by some as the first Tour De France affected by the climate emergency. Temperatures soared and riders were feeling the heat. Cyclist Magazine UK quoted ITV4 presenter Gary Imlach who's closing remarks on the race were as follows:

"The Tour has its first Colombian winner and Egan Bernal has won what will probably be looked back on as the first Tour significantly affected by climate change".

Moreover, the race's winners - Team Ineos - were protested by environmentalists who viewed company boss Jim Ratcliff's practise of lobbying for relaxed laws on fracking as irresponsible in the face of the accelerating climate emergency. The irony was not lost on the spectators, many of whom were aware of this controversy despite being supportive of the riders themselves.

This year in 2021, the Olympic cycling events at Tokyo were again marred by extreme weather, as well as controversy surrounding covid risks. Some athletes stated that the weather conditions were unsafe and that the IOC was ignoring the health of competitors.

These factors will no doubt affect future performances.

How Green Is Competitive Cycling?

Not that green. As with any sport on an international level, competitors are flown around the world multiple times a year. Air travel is one of the biggest contributors to global warming. Besides that, there are other factors including the use of single use plastic water carriers given to cyclists as they pass certain stands. This practise continues despite the negative impact of single use plastic on the environment.

Then there's the issue of greenwashing. Many elite cycling teams are sponsored by oil and gas companies as a way for these brands to attach themselves to a celebration of green transport. They'd be better offer being sponsored by onlinegamblingcasino.co.nz or other casino companies, just like football and other sports teams are. Companies such as Ineos and Santos get a lot of good press through these events, and yet they're the ones causing the destruction that could hurt the future of the sport.

But Cycling is Green, Right?

Yes, it is. Cycling when used as a mode of transport is one of the cleanest and greenest ways to travel. Using a bicycle over a car just once a day, a Bloomberg report states, can cut an individual's carbon emission from transport by up to 67%!

Using your bike as a means of transport (i.e. practical use) is not only just phenomenal exercise, but also something you can do to ensure a better future for the planet. Unfortunately, international cycling will have to start reckoning with itself and its practises before it can consider itself truly green.