If you’re looking to adopt a more environmentally friendly way of driving, then there’s a simple idea that could drastically reduce the amount of emissions your journeys create and save the amount of money you spend on fuel. Drive like you’re riding a bike.
If on the other hand, you take your time and keep the revs low, then the engine isn’t put under so much strain. You’ll be able to pick up speed through momentum on your way down, and your journey time will not be hugely different.
Similarly, think about the way you travel along the flat roads, too. On a pushbike, it would be very wearing to really accelerate all the time, so take a steadier pace and give your engine an easier ride. Don’t swerve in and out of the traffic just to overtake a few cars; erratic braking and accelerating burns more fuel. And think about it – on your bike this kind of dangerous behavior might get you killed – why do it when you’re driving a car?
Of course, there are other ways to be eco-friendly and get your mileage out of your car. You could change up to owning one of the many hybrid cars that are now available; these have reduced emissions and burn less fuel as their internal combustion engine works alongside an electric motor. And many cars produced today, even those that aren’t hybrid or electric, qualify as low emission cars as manufacturers have reduced the amount of emissions that all new vehicles produce.
But if you’re not ready to change your car, try the bike riding mental trick and see how much fuel you save.