If the carbon footprint of a bike was printed on the box, would that affect your buying decisions?

No, I couldn't care less.
Maybe if I was on the fence and there was a big difference in emissions.
Yes, i'd try to pick the lowest-emissions bike that fitted my needs.
I'd stick with the bike I've got or buy second hand.

Embed

7 Comments

BobbyHonduras (Oct 29, 2021 at 19:23)

It’s comical and a bit depressing that people passionate about riding in out amazing outdoor places “couldn’t care less” about climate change. We’re all screwed…

EuroJoe (Oct 30, 2021 at 13:24)

Let's hope none of these people travel to ride bikes, own cars etc. The U.S. Military is a World Leader in Pollution and Wasteful Use of Fossil Fuels. ... As the world's biggest polluter, our armed forces create 750,000 tons of toxic waste every year in the form of depleted uranium, oil, jet fuels, pesticides, defoliants, lead and other chemicals, according to MintPress News.

bpd5002 (Oct 30, 2021 at 5:46)

“To put that in context, 225 kg of CO2 is about the amount it takes to drive a typical US car 560 miles“

I buy a new bike every 4-5 years. I drive my truck 20,000 miles/ year. I’m no mathematician but it seems like bikes should not be my focus in carbon footprint reduction.

cwinterhack (Oct 31, 2021 at 4:58)

A couple of comments since I wish there would have been more options to choose from for the answer:

1. It seems like the difference between one model or another from a specific brand shouldn’t be the focus as much as choosing a brand that has a plan to lower their emissions and hopefully get to a spot where they’re carbon neutral. I ride a Trek Top Fuel which was purchased before this report came out and I’m proud to be supporting one of the brands that is focused on getting better.
2. Mountain biking would seem to not be the most environmentally friendly version of biking since it typically involves driving to get to the trails. However, Id love to see a report of the impact of preserving trees/nature areas because they house MTB trails. I love that MTBing is mostly free but I’d be willing to pay a little more than the typical trail fee if it meant preserving that spot.

EuroJoe (Oct 30, 2021 at 13:21)

What's annoying is that yet again it's being put on the consumer, " don't use straws, think of the turtles" meanwhile companies dump crap in the ocean, oil, trash etc. One long flight does more damage than buying a new bike

dvbwn (Oct 29, 2021 at 20:56)

The carbon footprint of the bike I have is less than the carbon footprint of the bike I have + the lowest emission bike I could switch for.

biggerrich (Oct 29, 2021 at 23:50)

I ride my bike everywhere, to the pint the battery on my car keeps going flat.