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The environmental benefits of cycling

Cycling and environment: how cycling improves health and promotes sustainability

14 MAR 2025

The use of the bicycle as a daily means of transport is becoming increasingly widespread in cities around the world. Due to the reduction of environmental impact and the numerous health benefits, cycling is a sustainable and suitable mode of transport for all, which can contribute not only to promote a healthy lifestyle, to limit air pollution and climate change. For this, especially in recent years, many countries are investing in cycling infrastructure, bike-sharing programs and incentives to encourage the use of bicycles and make roads safer for cyclists.

In addition to the ecological benefits, cycling can provide numerous benefits for the body and mind. From improving physical endurance to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, to strengthening and toning muscles: cycling is a complete activity that helps keep fit and free your mind, removing stress and improving mood. Promoting the use of the bike therefore means not only reducing air pollution or improving air quality, but also encouraging a healthy lifestyle and being more attentive to health and well-being.

But what are the specific benefits of cycling? And how can it help to promote environmental sustainability? Let’s find out together!

Cycling and sustainable mobility

"Sustainable mobility" means a mode of transport that aims to reduce the environmental impact by promoting alternatives to traditional motor vehicles, such as public transport, electric vehicles, shared mobility and, above all, the use of bicycles. The main objective of sustainable mobility is to reduce air pollution, reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources and improve the quality of life in urban centres where traffic and smog can have a negative impact on health.

In this context, the bicycle is one of the most environmentally friendly and accessible means for everyday mobility. Unlike cars, it does not produce CO emissions or other pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulates, which contribute to the greenhouse effect and air pollution in urban areas. According to numerous studies, if a higher percentage of the population were to use bicycles for daily commuting, a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in cities could be achieved, contributing effectively to the environmental sustainability objectives set by international agreements.

The bike is a highly energy-efficient means of transport. While cars and other motor vehicles require a large amount of energy to be produced, powered and maintained, the bicycle has an extremely low ecological footprint. In addition, the production and maintenance of a bike generates a much lower environmental impact than any motorized vehicle, making it a more sustainable choice from all points of view.

All the benefits of cycling for the environment

As we have seen, the use of bicycles is one of the simplest and most effective solutions to reduce the environmental impact of transport, contributing to a more sustainable and respectful lifestyle for the planet. Here are all the benefits that cycling can offer to the environment:

reducing CO₂ and greenhouse gas emissions: the transport industry is a major source of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases responsible for climate change. The bicycle, as a zero-emission mode of transport, significantly reduces the release of these harmful gases;
improvement of air quality: air pollution in cities is a growing concern, with negative effects on public health and the ecosystem. Motor vehicles emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and fine particulates, which can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease and other disorders. Replacing the car with a bicycle reduces the concentration of these harmful substances in the air, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all;
reduced noise pollution: noise from cars and motor vehicles is a major cause of stress and inconvenience in cities and can have negative effects on quality of life, affecting sleep, concentration and mental well-being. The bicycle, on the other hand, is a quiet means of transport which can contribute significantly to reducing noise pollution and creating a more peaceful and liveable urban environment;

Benefici del ciclismo: l'impatto sull'ambiente

less traffic and reduced consumption of urban space: modern cities are increasingly congested by car traffic, with negative consequences for both the environment and quality of life. Cars also take up a lot of space on the roads and in parking lots, contributing to the reduction of green spaces. Increased use of bicycles could lead to a reduction in the number of vehicles on the roads, thus improving traffic flow and making cities more liveable;
promoting an eco-friendly lifestyle: cycling is not only a practical choice, but also an important step towards a more sustainable lifestyle and greater environmental awareness.

E-bikes: a green solution for everyone

The e-bike, or pedal assisted bicycle, represents one of the most significant innovations in the world of sustainable mobility. Equipped with an electric motor that supports pedaling, it can in fact be an ecological and efficient alternative to traditional means of transport, such as cars and scooters, without renouncing the benefits of the classic bicycle. E-bikes do not completely replace the action of the cyclist, but integrate it: the engine is only activated when you pedal, reducing the effort required to tackle climbs or long distances. This makes them particularly suitable for those who want a practical and versatile means of transport, capable of adapting to different urban and extra-urban mobility needs.

One of the main advantages of the e-bike is its versatility: thanks to the pedal assist, it is a perfect solution for commuters, seniors or anyone who wants to approach cycling without worrying too much about physical fatigue. In addition, it widens the possibilities of using the bike, making it easier to tackle long routes or with significant differences in level, without necessarily having to resort to motorized means more polluting. Although the motor provides pedaling assistance, e-bike still allows the cyclist to move and practice regular physical activity, with clear benefits for health and general well-being.

From an environmental point of view, e-bikes also play a key role in reducing CO₂ emissions. By using it instead of a car or scooter for daily commuting, you can make a significant contribution to reducing air pollution in cities. In addition, its energy consumption is significantly lower than that of any other motor vehicle: recharging an e-bike battery requires very little energy compared to the fuel needed to power a car, and if recharging is done using renewable sources, the ecological balance becomes even more favorable.

Nalini sustainable cycling clothing: performance and respect for the environment

In addition to choosing sustainable mobility, technical clothing can also make a difference in reducing the environmental impact. Nalini has adopted a responsible approach by incorporating eco-friendly garments into its cycling clothing collection, designed to ensure high performance while respecting the environment.

One of the most innovative aspects of Nalini clothing is the use of eco-friendly fabrics, made from polyester and recycled plastic materials, such as PET in plastic bottles. This allows waste materials to be reused and given new life, reducing the consumption of virgin resources and contributing to a more sustainable circular economy.

Respect SS Jersey, for example, is a cycling jersey made entirely of recycled polyester, and represents the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Its own name, "Respect", underlines the attention towards the use of 100% recycled materials and the will to reduce the impact of textile production on the environment. Thanks to the ultra-light and micro-perforated fabric, the mesh ensures high breathability and quick drying, ensuring optimal sweat management and keeping the body dry and ideal temperature even on hot days.

Nalini also offers other garments made from recycled materials, each with specific characteristics to adapt to different cycling needs, including:

Minnesota Jersey, a summer jersey made entirely of recycled fabric, which guarantees a perfect balance between sustainability and comfort. The fabric is lightweight and micro-perforated, ensuring breathability, quick drying and maximum comfort. Among the technical details, stand out the low collar, the YKK® zip with cam-lock and the three functional back pockets,
Mesh Jersey: designed for the hottest days, this jersey is made entirely of elastic mesh obtained from recycled polyester. Its very high breathability makes it ideal not only for summer outings, but also for indoor use, offering excellent moisture management and high comfort.

The focus on sustainability is also reflected in the design of all Nalini garments, designed to last for a long time and withstand frequent washing and use. This approach reduces the need to frequently replace sportswear, thus limiting material waste and the environmental impact of textile production.

To guarantee the quality and safety of its products, Nalini also has the Oeko-Tex certification, which ensures compliance with the most stringent human-ecological standards. Each garment is made in accordance with strict criteria, to ensure that materials in contact with the skin are free of harmful substances. This commitment translates into a range of products that combine excellence Made in Italy, high performance and environmental responsibility.