Why Bicycles?

Why do we use bicycles when trucks can carry so much more?

Cleaner Air

The Pedal Coop uses bikes and bike trailers to perform work (like recycling pickup) that is typically reserved for the least fuel-efficient vehicles. Family cars and trucks have long been subject to fuel-efficiency standards set by the EPA, but heavy trucks such as trash and recycling trucks have always been exempt from these standards. The exemption has allowed waste collection trucks that average between 3 and 6 miles per gallon to stay on the road! Not only are these vehicles fuel inefficient, the heavy trucks run on diesel gas and produce diesel exhaust particles that can cause or exacerbate health problems. Diesel vehicles emit approximately half of the nitrogen oxides and two-thirds of the particulate matter (PM) attributable to the US transportation sector. These emissions endanger health in our communities by irritating eyes, nose, throat and respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses. Because of these and other health effects, diesel has been classified as a 'potential human carcinogen' by the EPA and International Agency for Research on Cancer.

While trucks use diesel fuel, the only pollution produced by a human-powered cargo vehicle is the carbon dioxide exhaled by the rider.

Support the Local Economy

Traveling by bike, we retain our sense of place and service local businesses, organizations, and residents. We share the fate of the community, not an absentee corporation. By using bicycles to service Philadelphia residents and businesses, we foster community interaction. Most economic development in the past century has aimed to increase efficiency and production, mechanizing service and shielding workers from residents and business partners. The Pedal Coop uses bicycles and in-person pickups to remove these shields and contribute to the local economy.

Reduced Road Wear

Nearly all of the load-related damage to Philadelphia’s pavement is caused by trucks. A vehicle weighing five tons causes over 100 times as much damage as a vehicle weighing one ton.1 This means, the more we can keep heavy truck loads off our streets, the less road damage we'll see and feel riding around our City. Decreasing truck traffic on residential streets also saves public funds.

Reduced Noise Pollution

Collecting recycling and compost by bicycle is an essentially noiseless activity. Rather than picking up heavy metal dumpsters, we pick up smaller plastic containers that do not make loud noises when maneuvered. Of course, our vehicles are soundless, too.

Reduce Traffic Congestion

Bicycle hauling reduces congestion of large delivery vehicles that stop along busy throughways such as Chestnut St. in Center City. And as car and bicycle-sharing programs grow in popularity, so too, might bicycle-trailer-sharing programs that enable residents to use bike trailers to move goods for themselves, their families, and their friends. Riding bikes, we are able to slide by idling cars. Even when parked, our bike and trailer takes up less space than typical delivery vehicles or even cars. Ten bicycles can fit in one parking space.

Lower Costs

Pedal-powered organizations or businesses reduce their costs as they don't spend excessive money on vehicle repairs, purchases, or insurance. Maintaining a bicycle is a fraction the cost of maintaining a car or truck and you can't beat the fuel costs!

Support Jobs Intensive Growth

Perhaps most importantly, hauling-by-bicycle programs are job-intensive operations. Philadelphia has lost jobs steadily for several decades - 60,000+ jobs lost in the 90s and approximately 35,000 in the new millennium. In 2009, a quarter of all City residents were living in poverty, many unemployed or underemployed. Socially conscious and growing organizations such as the Pedal Coop can provide jobs and relief for some out-of-work residents. With the support of the City and state, a bicycle-hauling industry could add hundreds of jobs to the economy while providing a valuable, sustainable service.

More Efficient Use of Non-Renewable Resources

Trucks are most efficient at transporting large quantities long distances. Picking up residential trash requires many stops and starts. Every time a truck accelerates from a stop, it emits soot and smog-forming pollution. The Pedal Cooperative provides a clean, more efficient method for the transportation of recyclables/trash within Philadelphia.

On the Job Exercise

We know that for many, if not most Americans, it's a challenge to integrate physical activity into one's daily routine. Yet, we also know that exercise can substantially improve our lifespan and quality of life. We use bikes as one way to make physical exercise part of our day and visibly encourage others to hop on a bike rather than take a seat in front of a screen.