Carbon Footprint of Motorcycles vs. Cars
Some people believe that motorcycles have a substantially smaller carbon footprint than cars. Others think that compact cars don't harm the environment as much as SUVs or pickup trucks. It stands to reason that a motorcycle would generate even less pollution. However, the reality is much more complicated.
Motorcycles use significantly less fuel than cars as Some bikes travel over 50 miles per gallon and most 2012 models achieve 35 to 50 MPG. While some motorcycles can travel as far as 75 or 130 miles per gallon, new cars still average less than 30 MPG.
However, better fuel economy doesn't always result in fewer emissions. Most motorcycles create more air pollution and smog than cars. Bikes produce less carbon dioxide, but they release more carbon monoxide.
Motorcycles don't hold as much cargo as other vehicles. This could make a person visit stores more often, effectively reducing the fuel economy and increasing emissions. Bikes also hold fewer passengers than most cars. Using two motorcycles to transport four people is much more harmful to the environment than using one four-door sedan.
Another important consideration is the carbon footprint of manufacturing a vehicle. It doesn't take as much metal, plastic, glass or rubber to make a motorcycle. Cars have far more components that must be transported to factories from a variety of sources. Domestic cars and motorcycles don't need to be shipped as far as imported models.
Additionally, cars require a much larger infrastructure than motorcycles. They need massive parking lots and wide roads. Although forests remove carbon from the atmosphere, loggers must cut them down to create space for this infrastructure. Every night, people use a great deal of electricity to illuminate parking garages and huge car dealerships.
Overall, either type of vehicle can have a smaller carbon footprint. If a person only drives once or twice each week, a motorcycle will probably cause less harm to the environment The manufacturing process has a greater impact than occasional driving. However, a car remains the better option for someone who travels every day.
